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Invest Atlanta News

Making an Impact on Atlanta

Scroll down to see the impact and stories of people and places supported through Invest Atlanta programs.

 

2024 At A Glance

4,250

New Jobs Created (Business Attraction and Expansion)

$1.57B

Total Capital Investment

$1.85B

Total Economic Impact

2,475

Affordable Housing Units Financed (Multifamily)

409

Homeownership Incentives (Downpayment Assistance, Owner-Occupied Rehab and Tax Relief)

1,845

Small Businesses Supported (Grants, Loans and Technical Assistance)

 

See What We’ve Been Up To

{"result":[{"id":535,"title":"PREP for Success","promo_title":"PREP for Success","published_date":"2024-07-29","featured_image":{"id":2681,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"4e0a9969x2.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":2318686,"resource_updated_at":"2024-07-29T13:14:10.440-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2024-07-29T13:14:10.603-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-29T16:44:25.083-04:00","filename_hash":"4e0a9969x2_lPZYzLQ.jpg","width":4695,"height":4222},"filename":"prep-for-success","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"yKmWfQ","created_at":"2024-07-29T13:15:44.967-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-29T16:44:25.073-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Ch\u0026eacute; Houston has been baking and decorating desserts for almost 30 years. During that time, she\u0026rsquo;s also overcome addiction and housing insecurity. Through it all, she knew her potential and that she could one day help others.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCh\u0026eacute; Houston has been baking and decorating desserts for almost 30 years. During that time, she\u0026rsquo;s also overcome addiction and housing insecurity. Through it all, she knew her potential and that she could one day help others.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I always wanted to open my own business and tried many times,\u0026rdquo; explains Ch\u0026eacute;, founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.cherenemacarons.com/\"\u003eCh\u0026eacute; Ren\u0026eacute; Macarons \u0026amp; More\u003c/a\u003e, which features French Macarons with Southern finesse. \u0026ldquo;When I was finally able to legitimize my side hustle, I outgrew my home kitchen within six months.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat\u0026rsquo;s when Ch\u0026eacute; found \u003ca href=\"https://www.prepkitchens.com/?utm_source=reachlocal\u0026amp;utm_medium=cpc\u0026amp;utm_campaign=semprepatlantasharedkitchens\u0026amp;scid=4246564\u0026amp;kw=31424831\u0026amp;pub_cr_id=670173269713\u0026amp;device=c\u0026amp;network=g\u0026amp;targetid=kwd-323738352602\u0026amp;loc_interest_ms\u0026amp;loc_physical_ms=9010770\u0026amp;tc=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHieFgkNrbnoTtOJIvBbFV4CWI7tjCrIAllELEaqiy_IebhQsSqvDsehoC_IUQAvD_BwE\u0026amp;rl_key=24defbe97a3db5b27c7f7b9e73827c9c\"\u003ePREP\u003c/a\u003e, a culinary accelerator platform that provides shared kitchen environments for food entrepreneurs, along with operational resources, consultation and other essential services like marketing, branding and networking.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The team at PREP helped me maneuver my way through the food service industry and get my business rolling,\u0026rdquo; says Ch\u0026eacute;. \u0026ldquo;They also offer constant support and encouragement. They take the time to explain things; they push me; they see me for who I am and what I\u0026rsquo;m trying to accomplish.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCh\u0026eacute; is one of 280 members in the PREP culinary ecosystem that includes more than 200,000 square feet of commercial kitchen space locations throughout Atlanta and one in Austin, Texas. PREP also has multiple spinoffs, including three Truck \u0026amp; Tap restaurant locations; PREP Food Junction \u0026ndash; a permanent station for food trucks; ChowDownATL \u0026ndash; an online ordering and takeout platform for PREP members; and PH\u0026rsquo;EAST, a Far East Street Feast, inspired by the hawker markets of Asia that offers small food operators a place to set up shop.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Our goal is to elevate local food entrepreneurs who desire to be part of a community,\u0026rdquo; explains Mitch Jaffe, PREP founder and CEO. \u0026ldquo;We offer the facilities, services, resources and network to remove barriers to entry and scale their business.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePREP, in fact, has created some 800 jobs in Atlanta and continues to expand with the opening of its fifth shared kitchen location \u0026ndash; PREP ATL South. It was during this expansion project that Mitch and Doug Marranci, PREP founder and COO, first connected with Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Mitch, the Invest Atlanta team helped PREP connect with city leaders, generate support and navigate the various approval processes. \u0026ldquo;From the very first call with Invest Atlanta, we felt welcome, supported and valued,\u0026rdquo; says Mitch. \u0026ldquo;The team took time to understand our business and have been active partners in identifying the services and connections that can help us achieve our goals.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDoug says one of those goals includes serving as a conduit to Invest Atlanta services for PREP members. \u0026ldquo;The team at Invest Atlanta is focused and connected and has so much to offer small businesses,\u0026rdquo; he says. \u0026ldquo;We plan to showcase Invest Atlanta services in our new community space at PREP ATL South so our members have access to every resource available.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor Ch\u0026eacute;, the PREP ecosystem goes far beyond providing a kitchen facility and resources to grow her business; it\u0026rsquo;s put her in a position to hire others on a similar life journey who are transitioning back into the workforce. \u0026ldquo;PREP helped me create a space and livelihood for people who are working towards their own long-term recovery,\u0026rdquo; says Ch\u0026eacute;. \u0026ldquo;It pulls at my heart. This business is bigger than me; it\u0026rsquo;s my purpose.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":526,"title":"New State Opportunity Zones Approved in Atlanta ","promo_title":"New State Opportunity Zones Approved in Atlanta ","published_date":"2024-07-03","featured_image":{"id":435,"parent_id":7,"resource_file_name":"istock-516599252.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":351488,"resource_updated_at":"2018-01-05T16:02:40.241-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":3,"created_at":"2018-01-05T16:02:40.505-05:00","updated_at":"2024-12-18T11:14:24.996-05:00","filename_hash":"istock-516599252_npZWpm4.jpg","width":1880,"height":720},"filename":"new-state-opportunity-zones-approved-in-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-5enWg","created_at":"2024-07-09T16:50:27.694-04:00","updated_at":"2024-07-09T16:50:27.694-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2024","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has designated new Opportunity Zones in Southwest Atlanta to help encourage business growth, job creation and economic revitalization.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOpportunity Zones provide a federal incentive in the form of a tax credit to businesses that create jobs within designated areas deemed economically distressed.\u0026nbsp;The new zones include areas along Campbellton Road near the Greenbriar Mall and areas along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Bringing new investment and jobs to Campbellton Road, Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and other key corridors is a vital part of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economic development strategy,\u0026rdquo; says Mayor Andre Dickens. \u0026ldquo;These new Opportunity Zone designations will encourage small business investment that leads to increased prosperity for residents in these communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe parcels of land along Campbellton Road (primarily Atlanta City Council District 11) and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (primarily Atlanta City Council District 10) met the DCA requirements for Opportunity Zone status, such as underdevelopment, blighted conditions and general distress. Businesses located on these specific parcels are eligible to apply for the Opportunity Zone tax credit.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta coordinates the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Opportunity Zone program and, according to Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, the incentive has a positive, long-term effect \u0026ldquo;Opportunity Zones will accelerate the impact we are making in these communities through the Tax Allocation Districts along these corridors and other economic development programs,\u0026rdquo; says Dr. Klementich. \u0026ldquo;In the last five years, the Opportunity Zone program has created 4,601 jobs in underinvested areas of the city.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCampbellton Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive are two of nine currently active State of Georgia Opportunity Zones in the city. The $3,500 per job state tax credit is available to businesses that create at least two jobs in a tax year. Georgia Opportunity Zone tax credits are good for up to five years and a maximum of $17,500 as long the jobs are maintained.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOpportunity Zones were established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As of 2024, there are 8,764 Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) in the United States designated to spur economic growth and investment in economically distressed areas through tax incentives. Each state and territory nominate their own zones, which are then certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information about Georgia\u0026rsquo;s Opportunity Zone program, visit \u003ca href=\"https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.investatlanta.com\u0026amp;c=E,1,O6QczIIVcVg01shBrrGP5E6Dl3F5UAEbs7sEq4I1QCT0K8o_k0ThqnU56m2q5bwlfyDLVwpgPI-WA3WcCTKZ7AFssXZk00SCOyeh0G4trWaePlc,\u0026amp;typo=1\u0026amp;ancr_add=1\"\u003ewww.investatlanta.com\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.dca.ga.gov\u0026amp;c=E,1,y6vCMNmLPgyLMLwUuyOu28MNwedErrErVyUHjuYBlZd5zoO4rvdqQWVGLY67T_1B9gJ9xIoPf0HxPpRlwpoDn0JP2OhBKgFYgl0PHOa6J_s,\u0026amp;typo=1\u0026amp;ancr_add=1\"\u003ewww.dca.ga.gov\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":498,"title":"BBQ Done Right","promo_title":"BBQ Done Right","published_date":"2023-09-28","featured_image":{"id":2513,"parent_id":158,"resource_file_name":"das_bbq3_-002-.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":4295225,"resource_updated_at":"2023-09-28T10:46:28.418-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2023-09-28T10:46:28.768-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-28T10:46:49.550-04:00","filename_hash":"das_bbq3_-002-_53eD44P.png","width":2082,"height":1666},"filename":"bbq-done-right","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"FxQ9vw","created_at":"2023-09-28T10:46:49.528-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-28T10:46:49.528-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Determined to start a new chapter in life, the founder and pit master of \u003ca href=\"https://www.dasbbq.com/\"\u003eDAS BBQ\u003c/a\u003e leaned into his whole-hog-smoking-pig-picking roots to start a local joint on Collier Road with a vision to celebrate Georgia barbecue and contribute to his home state\u0026rsquo;s rich and creative culinary history.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2023","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBeing fired from his dream job in the brand strategy and design business was just the impetus Stephen Franklin needed to find his true calling.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDetermined to start a new chapter in life, the founder and pit master of \u003ca href=\"https://www.dasbbq.com/\"\u003eDAS BBQ\u003c/a\u003e leaned into his whole-hog-smoking-pig-picking roots to start a local joint on Collier Road with a vision to celebrate Georgia barbecue and contribute to his home state\u0026rsquo;s rich and creative culinary history. Stephen opened a second location on Memorial Drive, which can only be described as BBQ with a vibe \u0026ndash; complete with games, live music and, of course, mouth-watering food.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Music and food are a human love language,\u0026rdquo; says Stephen. \u0026ldquo;Adding fire to the mix evokes something carnal in us. Something safe, maybe even sacred. We like to invoke that magic in people\u0026rsquo;s psyches every time we open our doors.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBackyard barbecues were the backdrop of Stephen\u0026rsquo;s childhood. His father, who is a dually certified and licensed barbecue judge with the Memphis In May and Kansas City BBQ Society organizations, taught Stephen the art of smoking turkey breasts in vertical barrel-smokers. Those custom smokers, which Stephen builds at the family farm, are what put DAS BBQ on a level all its own.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It requires a different level of dedication to wood procurement, fire management and human learning,\u0026rdquo; says Stephen. \u0026ldquo;We want to preserve the part of our barbecue lineage that requires grit and grind.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStephen and his fellow pit master Jeremy Chambers both have deep Texas family roots, and the craft of smoking brisket comes directly from their Lone Star lineage. And, while the menu has something for everyone, DAS BBQ is known for that beef brisket and a side of cream corn \u0026ndash; a creamy, cheesy, jalape\u0026ntilde;o-infused corn that eats like a chowder and is often described as \u0026ldquo;dream corn.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDuring COVID-19, DAS BBQ was able to survive \u0026ndash; and thrive \u0026ndash; with help from a Resurgence Grant from Invest Atlanta, so much that Stephen was able to open his other location in Grant Park. Three years later, Invest Atlanta proactively reached out to Stephen about a potential employer credit. This led to conversations about how Invest Atlanta could help him secure low-interest loans through the \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/businesses/small-businesses/commercial-down-payment-assistance\"\u003eCommercial Down Payment Assistance Program\u003c/a\u003e for he and Jeremy\u0026rsquo;s latest concept, DAS CANTINA, featuring their infamous smoked meats with a Tex-Mex twist.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s staff has been proactive, super responsive, and most of all, compassionate,\u0026rdquo; says Stephen. \u0026ldquo;They offer a hand-up, not a hand-out. Having that kind of support makes us proud to be Atlantans. Beyond all of that, they\u0026rsquo;ve let us know we\u0026rsquo;re not alone. They\u0026rsquo;re our partner. And as our partner, they want us to succeed.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor Stephen, this partnership not only helps him scale his business, it also lays the groundwork for him to give back to the community in an authentic way. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re not talking about cash for causes. We want to silently help feed those who need a warm meal and then not talk about it,\u0026rdquo; he explains. \u0026ldquo;We just want to do it because it\u0026rsquo;s the right thing to do and sincerely hope those actions will be what we\u0026rsquo;re most known for in 100 years from now.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":480,"title":"ATLinBusiness Marketplace","promo_title":"ATLinBusiness Marketplace","published_date":"2023-04-30","featured_image":{"id":2382,"parent_id":147,"resource_file_name":"copy_of_copy_of_atlinbusiness_marketplace.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":271184,"resource_updated_at":"2023-05-04T14:49:48.140-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2023-05-04T14:49:49.154-04:00","updated_at":"2023-07-24T13:38:01.841-04:00","filename_hash":"copy_of_copy_of_atlinbusiness_marketplace_NZnWx47.png","width":1200,"height":600},"filename":"atlinbusiness-marketplace","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"3L3ngQ","created_at":"2023-05-04T14:36:35.660-04:00","updated_at":"2023-05-08T09:58:03.513-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Did you know that Invest Atlanta launched a buy local website for Atlanta-based businesses to sell and market to other Atlanta-based businesses and corporations?\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2023","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDid you know that Invest Atlanta launched a buy local website for Atlanta-based businesses to sell and market to other Atlanta-based businesses and corporations?\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://atlinbusiness.com/marketplace/\"\u003eATLinBusiness Marketplace\u003c/a\u003e offers smaller, diverse suppliers a first destination for greater access to a wide range of buyers to accelerate growth and generate new revenue streams. The platform showcases participating businesses\u0026rsquo; capabilities, diversity classification, certifications and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Mayor Andre Dickens, ATLinBusiness Marketplace creates a more equitable business-to-business environment by connecting buyers and sellers in metro Atlanta, including minority-owned, women-owned and legacy businesses. \u0026ldquo;With this program, we aim to provide resources to support our local economy, create more good-paying jobs and ensure Atlanta is a city of opportunity for all,\u0026rdquo; explains Dickens.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe launch of the ATLinBusiness Marketplace also reflects buyer behavior, which has become increasingly digital. In fact, LinkedIn reports that nearly 40% of sellers say they have closed deals over $500,000 without ever meeting the buyer face-to-face.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":472,"title":"Magic Happens Here","promo_title":"Magic Happens Here","published_date":"2023-02-28","featured_image":{"id":2343,"parent_id":142,"resource_file_name":"img_4824.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":1477243,"resource_updated_at":"2023-02-28T17:10:00.047-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2023-02-28T17:10:00.776-05:00","updated_at":"2023-03-01T09:41:18.797-05:00","filename_hash":"img_4824_535wOKe.jpg","width":1920,"height":1280},"filename":"magic-happens-here","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"6ooLYA","created_at":"2023-02-28T17:12:37.226-05:00","updated_at":"2023-03-01T09:41:18.685-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta has more cigar shops per square mile than any other city in the United States. But there\u0026rsquo;s one nestled in the heart of the historic Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn community that stands out from the rest.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2023","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta has more cigar shops per square mile than any other city in the United States. But there\u0026rsquo;s one nestled in the heart of the historic Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn community that stands out from the rest.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHeather and Rafa Ramirez opened Havana Cigars, which specializes in Cuban coffee and authentic Cuban Seed Cigars, in 2016. Hand-rolled and aged 6-10 years, these are not your run-of-the-mill cigars. \u0026ldquo;We don\u0026rsquo;t sell big brands, only small-batch, boutique cigars,\u0026rdquo; explains Heather. \u0026ldquo;We work with mom-and-pop shops and family-owned farms who cultivate the seeds ethically, based on Cuban tradition.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAmong others, and including its own cigar line, Havana Cigars features cigars made by the Gomez Sanchez family, which has been in the business since 1934; the Plasencia family, which has been growing tobacco and making cigars for over five generations; as well as the only Afro Latina cigar line, which is cultivated in Estel\u0026iacute;, Nicaragua. Heather and Rafa, in fact, have become trendsetters in their own right and are known among aficionados from around the world who descend upon their shop to try cigars not found anywhere else.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;For us it\u0026rsquo;s about quality over quantity and supporting other woman- and minority-owned businesses like ourselves,\u0026rdquo; says Rafa, who is Afro Cuban, born and raised in Havana.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to its unique selection of fine cigars, Havana Cigars\u0026rsquo; living-room vibe has become a go-to place for patrons to visit and feel at home. \u0026ldquo;You\u0026rsquo;re not just coming for a stick; you\u0026rsquo;re coming for an experience,\u0026rdquo; says Heather. \u0026ldquo;People discuss all kinds of topics and important issues. I see young adults talking with their elders. There\u0026rsquo;s a sense of community and natural networking that\u0026rsquo;s so organic.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere was a time when Heather was uncertain about the future of Havana Cigars after their original store, also on Auburn Avenue, was unexpectedly sold to a developer. Heather and Rafa had opportunities to move elsewhere but were determined to stay on Auburn Avenue. With help from the Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant Fund, which was created in 2020 to support economic growth and recovery in the wake of the pandemic, they were able to move into a new, larger location on the same block.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We would never have been able to stay and build out a new store if it weren\u0026rsquo;t for Invest Atlanta and this grant,\u0026rdquo; says Heather. \u0026ldquo;We are grateful. There\u0026rsquo;s so much historic richness and good energy in this community. Magic happens here.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Old Fourth Ward\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":435,"title":"National Center for Civil and Human Rights Expansion Will Scale Impact","promo_title":"National Center for Civil and Human Rights Expansion Will Scale Impact","published_date":"2021-12-20","featured_image":{"id":1771,"parent_id":86,"resource_file_name":"ncchr_1.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":64416,"resource_updated_at":"2021-12-20T14:53:53.609-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-12-20T14:53:53.642-05:00","updated_at":"2021-12-21T09:27:22.335-05:00","filename_hash":"ncchr_1_OP9Wa9p.jpg","width":902,"height":576},"filename":"national-center-for-civil-and-human-rights-expansion-will-scale-impact","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"6NgaUQ","created_at":"2021-12-20T15:11:50.524-05:00","updated_at":"2021-12-21T09:27:22.313-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s board of directors approved a $250,000 grant from the Westside TAD Ascension Fund for the planned 23,898-square-foot expansion of National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR).\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Board of Directors approved a $250,000 grant from the Westside Tax Allocation District Ascension Fund for the planned 23,898-square-foot expansion of National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt in 2014 and operated primarily as a museum, the NCCHR not only houses museum exhibits, including the papers and artifacts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,\u0026nbsp;but also serves as a training, education, conference, and performance facility.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The NCCHR is seeking to expand their local attraction to a national cultural institution that will serve as an education, training, conference and performance hub focused on human dignity, human rights and human justice,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;This expansion is both a physical and a programmatic expansion. This transformation will help them deliver impact, it will help them reach their mission and it expands on the diversity conversation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe enlarged footprint and new educational offerings will fundamentally shift the Center\u0026rsquo;s business model going forward \u0026ndash; increase annual admissions from approximately 202,000 to over 250,000; adding new revenue streams from corporate and law enforcement trainings; and increasing its rental income for external events.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNCCHR\u0026rsquo;s buildout includes the addition of an east wing to house an Innovation Lab including 5,000 square feet of flexible classrooms for students and teacher training, especially for underserved schools; training facilities for non-profit and corporate Diversity, Equity\u0026nbsp;and Inclusion (DEI) experiences; and human rights training facilities for courses for police officers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe new facilities will also allow the center to grow its Operation Inspiration Program to provide free and subsidized admission and transportation to up to 35,000 low-income (Title I-qualified) students annually.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We desperately want to build these wings because one of them will be devoted to having the kinds of conversations that bring community together in this space with the papers of Dr. King making progress on issues of equity, and diversity and inclusion like no other space can,\u0026rdquo; said Jill Savitt, president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. \u0026ldquo;We are seeking to be the hub of that in downtown Atlanta so people can come together and hash out these challenges.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Downtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":420,"title":"Birds of a Feather","promo_title":"Aviary Beauty + Wellness Opens Second Location After Receiving Invest Atlanta Business Improvement Grant","published_date":"2021-09-17","featured_image":{"id":1689,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"286.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":1563837,"resource_updated_at":"2021-09-17T11:44:19.274-04:00","caption":"aviary","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2021-09-17T11:44:19.456-04:00","updated_at":"2021-09-17T15:02:59.083-04:00","filename_hash":"286_zmZpnl8.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333},"filename":"birds-of-a-feather","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"bg7Eww","created_at":"2021-09-17T11:47:09.214-04:00","updated_at":"2021-09-17T15:02:59.061-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Aviary Beauty + Wellness has been a direct reflection of the freedom Amy embraced to become an entrepreneur and how she operates her growing business. In the process of creating a space for her professional philosophy, Amy also established the gold standard for stylists, estheticians and artists longing to break from the mold.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2021","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAmy Bransford was struggling to find a name for her new business, which was about to open in a loft development on Auburn Avenue back in 2009. \u0026ldquo;As I was sitting in the courtyard at Studioplex, a bird flew by,\u0026rdquo; remembers Amy. \u0026ldquo;It felt as though I was in an aviary.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt was a lightbulb moment for the young esthetician who had grown frustrated in an industry\u0026rsquo;s one-size-fits-all approach to skin care and made the bold decision to branch out on her own. \u0026ldquo;There wasn\u0026rsquo;t a salon or spa space where I felt I fit in or could identify with,\u0026rdquo; she explains. \u0026ldquo;I had to create it for myself and, later, for my employees.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEver since, Aviary Beauty + Wellness has been a direct reflection of the freedom Amy embraced to become an entrepreneur and how she operates her growing business. In the process of creating a space for her professional philosophy, Amy also established the gold standard for stylists, estheticians and artists longing to break from the mold.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFocused on skin care and hair services, Aviary operates as a collective of like-minded professionals who share Amy\u0026rsquo;s belief that beauty is not skin deep; that the way we look and feel is deeply and directly influenced by the lives we lead.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The two go very well together as our clients often seek expertise in both areas,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;I have a collective of employees and independents and, through the years, I have personally evolved into a mentor and people grower. I love how my flock works together.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAviary is a highly personalized, boutique studio. There are two treatment rooms and a handful of styling stations where beauty and wellness professionals create a peaceful environment using handpicked products to deliver customizable treatments.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAmy had considered expanding her business before the pandemic, but set the idea aside during the uncertainty of the times. She applied for, and received, an Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant, which helped her pivot to accommodate new COVID protocols and begin delivering products to her clients.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt soon became clear people were seeking self-care more than ever before. One day while walking with her husband in the Summerhill community, Amy had another lightbulb moment \u0026ndash; this time it was the very spot for Aviary\u0026rsquo;s second location.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I love Summerhill\u0026rsquo;s storefronts and history,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;The neighborhood has been there since 1865 and was home to the first emancipated slaves and later immigrants. The residents at that time were among the city\u0026rsquo;s first minority business owners.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore she could expand, Amy immersed herself in the Small Business Development Center in Dekalb County (SBDC) where she created a business plan, accessed her financials and re-evaluated her operational practices. She also applied for an Invest Atlanta Business Improvement Loan to help with operating expenses and inventory.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The funds allow me to keep inventory on the shelves and maintain a profitable business during those first few months,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;ve been amazed by the support from Invest Atlanta and can\u0026rsquo;t believe I owned a business for a decade without knowing about their services.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTrue to her independent spirit, Amy tapped local artists and contractors to build a unique space for her Summerhill location, which features a mural and custom millwork. \u0026ldquo;I love that I was able to create jobs at a granular level during a tough economic time,\u0026rdquo; says Amy. \u0026ldquo;I have 20 employees between both locations and my build-out radiated even further to include designers, electricians, painters and plumbers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Working with Invest Atlanta has been so fulfilling,\u0026rdquo; continues Amy. \u0026ldquo;I realized people truly believe small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. At every turn, I had cheerleaders to champion my business and dreams of growing.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Aviary Beauty + Wellness:\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.aviarybeauty.com/\"\u003ehttps://www.aviarybeauty.com/\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":367,"title":"Boston Consulting Group Doubles Atlanta Presence","promo_title":"Boston Consulting Group Doubles Atlanta Presence","published_date":"2020-12-21","featured_image":{"id":269,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"bcg_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":65587,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T11:01:25.555-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2017-12-21T11:01:25.708-05:00","updated_at":"2020-12-21T10:59:54.459-05:00","filename_hash":"bcg_feature_MYq4Dyj.jpg","width":736,"height":552},"filename":"boston-consulting-group-doubles-atlanta-presence","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-p_LIA","created_at":"2020-12-21T10:59:54.413-05:00","updated_at":"2020-12-21T10:59:54.413-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is investing $18 million to expand its Atlanta Business Services Center, Nexus. This investment will add nearly 60,000 square feet to its current office located in Downtown Atlanta on Peachtree Street and will more than double its Atlanta presence.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-7f0f58da-7fff-f3da-4b89-e1c6e819abad\"\u003eBoston Consulting Group (BCG) is investing $18 million to expand its Atlanta Business Services Center, Nexus. This investment will add nearly 60,000 square feet to its current office located in Downtown Atlanta on Peachtree Street and will more than double its Atlanta presence. It also will create 331 additional jobs in the city, including opportunities in administrative services, human resources, finance, information technology, operations and design.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs one of the world\u0026rsquo;s leading management consulting firms, BCG first opened an Atlanta office in 1995 and later established Nexus in 2017, creating 268 new jobs. BCG also owns BrightHouse, an Atlanta-based global creative consultancy located in Ponce City Market that focuses on brand strategy. When its expansion in Atlanta is complete, BCG and BrightHouse will employ more than 900 people across three metro Atlanta offices.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026ldquo;BCG has been proud to be part of the fabric of the Atlanta community since 1995,\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;said Rodrigo Garcia-Escudero, BCG managing director and partner. \u0026ldquo;We are eager to play our part in helping Atlanta continue to thrive and be a leading location for business in the post-COVID reality.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Downtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":365,"title":"Invest Atlanta Board Approves Two Small Business Improvement Grants ","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Board Approves Two Small Business Improvement Grants ","published_date":"2020-11-24","featured_image":{"id":1442,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"small_business_improvement_grants_.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1433538,"resource_updated_at":"2020-11-24T17:12:59.157-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2020-11-24T17:12:59.237-05:00","updated_at":"2020-11-24T17:13:23.035-05:00","filename_hash":"small_business_improvement_grants__vlpZDQx.png","width":1080,"height":905},"filename":"invest-atlanta-board-approves-two-small-business-improvement-grants","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"1PLX7w","created_at":"2020-11-24T17:13:23.007-05:00","updated_at":"2020-11-24T17:13:23.007-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Two commercial properties are each receiving up to $20,000 of improvement funds from the Hollowell/ML King Tax Allocation District (TAD) Small Business Improvement Grant.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2020","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTwo commercial properties are each receiving up to $20,000 of improvement funds from the Hollowell/ML King Tax Allocation District (TAD) Small Business Improvement Grant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-f7285188-7fff-8a10-824e-874116a2f717\"\u003eThe building owned by Cal Properties, located on James Jackson Parkway, is a 13,125-square-foot, multiple tenant commercial center built in 2000. The structure includes eight storefronts currently occupied by seven tenants, including a beauty supply store, salon, barbershop, convenience store, social club, natural food store and a clothing store.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grant will help complete necessary improvements such as repainting the exterior of the building and repairing the parking lot. Additional owner funds, including the required 20 percent match, will pay for security cameras around the property and landscaping.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-f7285188-7fff-8a10-824e-874116a2f717\"\u003eA. Lawson Auto Center on Donald Lee Hollowell is a 2,500-square-foot auto service garage that\u0026rsquo;s been in business for more than half a century. The son and daughter of the original owners have grown the family business over the past 16 years to include Lawson\u0026rsquo;s Florist, HA Lawson Tax \u0026amp; Office Services and Lawson Auto Sales.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrant funds will be used for the removal and replacement of damaged asphalt in front of the building and additional owner funds will pay for tree stump and root systems removal on the west side of the property.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInvest Atlanta launched the Small Business Improvement Grant in 2019 to strengthen local businesses by using tax increment for matching grants toward the improvement of commercial buildings.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026ldquo;Helping our small businesses grow and thrive enhances economic development,\u0026rdquo; says Alan Ferguson\u003c/span\u003e, senior vice president of Community Development at\u0026nbsp;Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;This is one of the initiatives we\u0026rsquo;re promoting in terms of economic mobility and equity and inclusion within the city.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n MLK Corridor\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":286,"title":"Brownfield Clean-Up Loan Approved for Pullman Yard ","promo_title":"Brownfield Clean-Up Loan Approved for Pullman Yard ","published_date":"2019-08-16","featured_image":{"id":980,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"pullman_yards_insight.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1331563,"resource_updated_at":"2019-08-15T13:42:17.428-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":4,"created_at":"2019-08-15T13:42:17.583-04:00","updated_at":"2020-10-19T13:53:27.002-04:00","filename_hash":"pullman_yards_insight_W14ZmJo.png","width":1200,"height":587},"filename":"brownfield-clean-up-loan-approved-for-pullman-yard","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"cidwew","created_at":"2019-08-15T13:42:55.981-04:00","updated_at":"2019-08-16T15:41:16.626-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n ​The Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved a loan of up to $950,000 from the Brownfield Clean-up Revolving Loan Fund that will finance the environmental remediation of the Pullman Yard site.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved a loan of up to $950,000 from the Brownfield Clean-up Revolving Loan Fund that will finance the environmental remediation of the Pullman Yard site.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the clean-up is\u0026nbsp;complete, Atomic Entertainment will begin work on renovating the historic Pullman Yard into a mixed-use entertainment district with a film stages, hotel, office space, restaurants, retail, greenspace, and live performance space.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAtomic Entertainment purchased the site in the Kirkwood neighborhood from the Georgia Building Authority in 2017. The $125 million project will create approximately 260 new jobs, including many in the film and entertainment industry, and generate $179.8 million in economic impact.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 27-acre site was the site of an active manufacturing facility starting in 1904. From the 1920s to the 1950s, Pullman Rail Car Company operated a repair and storage yard at the site. By late 1980s and early 1990s, the site was severely underused, and for the last 30 years it has been inactive.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe BCRLF will provide clean-up of the contaminated sites. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed and approved the clean plan.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Brownfields Program started in 1996. Since then, the City has managed several programs and initiatives aimed at identifying, assessing and remediating brownfield sites throughout the city. Invest Atlanta oversees the Brownfield RLF program, and the board has recently approved loans for cleanup in the Southwest Atlanta BeltLine Trail corridor, as well as on properties located along Moores Mill Road NW and Cascade Avenue SW.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA brownfield is a real property whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Examples include former industrial sites, gas stations, dry cleaning establishments, and other industrial uses. Atlantic Station and the Atlanta BeltLine are two examples of successful brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects in the City of Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn June of 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $500,000 in supplemental funding to assist the City of Atlanta in cleaning up contaminated brownfield properties. The EPA provided a total of $15.7 million in funding to 33 other existing Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grantees, helping Atlanta and other communities around the country carry out cleanup and redevelopment projects.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Eastside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":282,"title":"Invest Atlanta to Develop City’s First Economic Mobility Strategy","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta to Develop City’s First Economic Mobility Strategy","published_date":"2019-07-22","featured_image":{"id":933,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"atlanta_econ_mobility_insights.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":936521,"resource_updated_at":"2019-07-22T08:29:47.561-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-07-22T08:29:47.693-04:00","updated_at":"2021-05-12T11:39:47.578-04:00","filename_hash":"atlanta_econ_mobility_insights_7JNJbmL.png","width":1200,"height":702},"filename":"invest-atlanta-to-develop-citys-first-economic-mobility-strategy","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"sQFNNg","created_at":"2019-07-22T08:30:00.227-04:00","updated_at":"2021-05-12T11:39:47.513-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta is redoubling its efforts on equity and economic mobility through the development of the city\u0026rsquo;s first-ever economic mobility strategy.\u0026nbsp;Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has already shown strong leadership on these issues, and this strategy development process is an opportunity to align and complement the broader One Atlanta strategic effort.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpdate:\u003c/strong\u003e The community input period is closed. We truly appreciate all the ideas and feedback from residents, businesses, civic and not-for-profit leaders, and other stakeholders on this vital effort.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta is redoubling its efforts on equity and economic mobility through the development of the city\u0026rsquo;s first-ever economic mobility strategy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEconomic prosperity and competitiveness in Atlanta start with equitable access to opportunity and pathways to wealth creation. The goal is to further economic development and mobility for all Atlantans by:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eReviewing Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s current efforts around economic mobility\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eAnalyzing key factors related to access to opportunity \u0026ndash; both within Atlanta and globally\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eIdentifying alignment opportunities across existing strategic frameworks\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eProviding recommendations to further Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economic development goals and improve economic mobility\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEconomic mobility is the ability of an individual, family, or group to improve their economic status. In Atlanta, that starts with equity equal access to opportunity and pathways to wealth creation. Atlanta currently leads the nation in income inequality. There is a clear divide between wealthier, majority white communities to the north of I-20 and poorer communities to the south and west where most residents are African-American.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nMayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has already shown strong leadership on these issues, and this strategy development process is an opportunity to align and complement the broader One Atlanta strategic effort. In addition, we leverage the expertise of our project partners at Bloomberg Associates, Enterprise, APD Urban Planning Management, and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe approach will be data-driven, will build on the work that has been done and create alignment rather than be duplicative, and place an emphasis on national and international best practices customized to the unique strengths and trends in Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe end goal is to identify pathways and specific policy recommendations to improve economic mobility. Input from residents, businesses, civic and not-for-profit leaders, and other stakeholders is vital to developing a comprehensive, inclusive strategy.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIn the coming weeks and months, we will be asking your thoughts on how you would increase economic mobility in Atlanta. We look forward to hearing from you.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":280,"title":"Variotech Chooses Atlanta for North American Headquarters","promo_title":"Variotech Chooses Atlanta for North American Headquarters","published_date":"2019-07-17","featured_image":{"id":930,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"variotech_3.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":930158,"resource_updated_at":"2019-07-17T10:46:55.106-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-07-17T10:46:55.180-04:00","updated_at":"2019-07-17T10:49:05.756-04:00","filename_hash":"variotech_3_zmrLv4k.png","width":1200,"height":771},"filename":"variotech-chooses-atlanta-for-north-american-headquarters","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"jyJjhQ","created_at":"2019-07-17T10:48:11.091-04:00","updated_at":"2019-07-17T10:49:05.721-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Variotech,\u0026nbsp;a world leader in tray solutions, will create 20 new jobs at a new North American headquarters in the City of Atlanta. The German manufacturer\u0026nbsp;will serve the automotive industry and electronic customer base from their new North American headquarters in Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.variotech.de/en/about-us\"\u003eVariotech\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;a world leader in tray solutions, will create 20 new jobs at a new North American headquarters in the City of Atlanta. The German manufacturer\u0026nbsp;will serve the automotive industry and electronic customer base from their new North American headquarters in Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;Variotech\u0026rsquo;s choice of Atlanta for its North American headquarters represents another big win for our expanding automotive sector,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;With more than 2,600 foreign-owned businesses in the area and global connectivity through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, it is no surprise to see another European company bring their North American headquarters to the city.\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;In selecting Georgia for our North America headquarters, we are able to serve our existing customer base better and faster, and we are able to convince potential new customers with our products,\u0026rdquo; said Benedikt Fleig, President and CEO of Variotech. \u0026ldquo;We were impressed with how Georgia perfectly fits our needs to accelerate our growth.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta worked in partnership with the\u0026nbsp;Georgia Department of Economic Development\u0026#39;s Global Commerce Division on this project.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;We are excited to welcome an innovative company like Variotech to Georgia,\u0026rdquo; said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. \u0026ldquo;Georgia has been cultivating relationships in Germany for more than 45 years, and we are thrilled that Variotech chose Atlanta to call home as they expand in the U.S. market.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":272,"title":"Invesco Adding 500 Jobs in a Major Expansion in Midtown ","promo_title":"Invesco Adding 500 Jobs in a Major Expansion in Midtown ","published_date":"2019-06-01","featured_image":{"id":912,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"midtown_insight.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1338685,"resource_updated_at":"2019-06-04T09:54:37.307-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-06-04T09:54:37.374-04:00","updated_at":"2019-06-04T09:55:35.400-04:00","filename_hash":"midtown_insight_OPXNxjN.png","width":1200,"height":508},"filename":"invesco-adding-500-jobs-in-a-major-expansion-in-midtown","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"I1puIw","created_at":"2019-06-04T09:55:35.358-04:00","updated_at":"2019-06-04T09:55:35.358-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invesco, one of the world\u0026rsquo;s leading investment managers, plans to significantly expand its global headquarters in Atlanta, adding 500 jobs and investing $70 million as part of a major expansion of its business.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvesco, one of the world\u0026rsquo;s leading investment managers, plans to significantly expand its global headquarters in Atlanta, adding 500 jobs and investing $70 million as part of a major expansion of its business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I would like to thank Invesco for its commitment to the City of Atlanta and am pleased to see another global company expanding here,\u0026rdquo; said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;This expansion is a testament to the role public-private partnerships play in creating new jobs and economic opportunity for Atlanta residents.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvesco\u0026rsquo;s presence in Atlanta dates back more than forty years to 1978, when its assets under management totaled $400 million. Drawn by the strong supply of talent, world-class airport, and outstanding quality of life in the city, Invesco moved its global headquarters to Atlanta in 2007.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re excited by the opportunity to build on our forty-year presence in the city and meaningfully expand our local team to nearly 1,200 professionals, which will enhance our ability to meet client needs here in Atlanta and across the globe,\u0026rdquo; said Martin L. Flanagan, President and CEO of Invesco. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re also pleased to join MetLife Investment Management \u0026amp; Granite Properties in the development of one of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s premier locations at the corner of 17th Street and West Peachtree Street. To further strengthen our global operating platform, we will make a significant, $70 million investment in our business here for the benefit of our clients, employees, and shareholders, while continuing to play an active role in our community.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eToday Invesco is entrusted with managing $1.2 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide. It is the sixth-largest U.S. retail asset manager and the thirteenth-largest investment manager globally. Invesco employs more than 650 professionals in Atlanta and has more than 8,000 employees in twenty-five countries focused on delivering a comprehensive range of active, passive, and alternative capabilities to help clients around the world meet their investment objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo accommodate the additional employees and further strengthen its presence in Atlanta, Invesco will move to a new global headquarters building in Midtown Union currently under development by MetLife Investment Management \u0026amp; Granite Properties and scheduled for completion in August 2022.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta worked in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Power.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":263,"title":"AgTech Startups Selected for First IoT.ATL Living Labs Pilot ","promo_title":"AgTech Startups Selected for First IoT.ATL Living Labs Pilot ","published_date":"2019-04-22","featured_image":{"id":866,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"agtech_v2.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1397372,"resource_updated_at":"2019-04-22T17:13:13.894-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-04-22T17:13:13.975-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-23T08:55:26.893-04:00","filename_hash":"agtech_v2_r6bDkLm.png","width":1200,"height":536},"filename":"agtech-startups-selected-for-first-iotatl-living-labs-pilot","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"SRbokw","created_at":"2019-04-22T17:13:36.398-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-22T17:13:36.398-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n From cold storage and mobile crop monitoring to insect farms, the inaugural\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://iot-atlanta.com/\"\u003eIoT.ATL AgTech Challenge\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;has chosen its first participants to develop their intelligent farming solutions in Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrom cold storage and mobile crop monitoring to insect farms, the inaugural \u003ca href=\"https://iot-atlanta.com/\"\u003eIoT.ATL AgTech Challenge\u003c/a\u003e unearthed several intelligent farming solutions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLast year, Invest Atlanta, in partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the City of Atlanta, the Atlanta BeltLine, Georgia Power, New City Properties and AGCO, launched the IoT.ATL AgTech Challenge. The nationwide search was created to find technology solutions that would improve food resilience in metro Atlanta and abroad.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Tech companies are a driving force in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economy, and those Invest Atlanta has worked with have added 14,800 new jobs and $3.9 billion of economic impact to the city since 2016,\u0026rdquo; said President and CEO of Invest Atlanta Dr. Eloisa Klementich. \u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Demonstration Project program helps to further expand the tech sector by allowing entrepreneurs to test and validate their technologies in an actual urban environment with support from their city. We congratulate the IoT.ATL AgTech Challenge winners and look forward to supporting their continued growth in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s thriving innovation community.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;IoT.ATL is proud to champion this collaborative and impactful project to create solutions for urban food resilience. IoT.ATL aims to leverage technology for good and create sustainable communities that are equitable and inclusive,\u0026rdquo; said Metro Atlanta Chamber Director of IoT/AI/Smart Cities Ecosystem Expansion Cynthia Curry. \u0026ldquo;The living labs project is helping realize our vision, and we are incredibly thankful to our partners for their support.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMembers of the local corporate, civic and startup communities, as well as AgTech subject matter experts, reviewed applications from several AgTech startups and ultimately selected five solutions to pilot along the Atlanta BeltLine.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe winning solutions include:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.hatponics.com/\"\u003eHATponics\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"http://www.hip-sci.com/\"\u003eHipScience\u003c/a\u003e \u0026ndash; HATponics and Hip Science are teaming up to create a near-zero input farm facility that will function as a global model to help alleviate food deserts, enhance STEM education and provide additional revenue streams for the food desert populations. HATponics will deliver a portable wind- and solar-powered hybrid aquaponics farm. It will be outfitted with proprietary IoT programming and sensors staffed by aviation drones for daily tasks. HipScience will fully implement and control an intelligent farming system.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.growcomputer.io/\"\u003eGrow Computer\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"http://copiana.com/\"\u003eCopiana\u003c/a\u003e \u0026ndash; Grow Computer\u0026rsquo;s patent-pending IoT ecosystem will provide real-time controls and information about what\u0026rsquo;s happening inside the container and new ways to analyze grow data. Copiana will serve as the boots-on-the-ground agriculture experts, managing the operation and growth of the plants and produce and working to ensure the highest operational safety and efficiencies are built into the platform.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fmuscah.org\u0026amp;c=E,1,vQCyGgiMVrQvbVPjkpCpL41UoKiPGP2O97SwLSyYyEJFFtALlpG0vVboJWGvNxPPWRLVwaKD4t1_XLbSM0MafDD2bHioIx-rcCDRvH7VtnzuwKrQ-iZkdosW\u0026amp;typo=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMUSCAH\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/u\u003e, \u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.urbansproutfarms.com%2f\u0026amp;c=E,1,B_YbNxVIm3agMQMiHxehBMUxdPrjaSgPPZDUySFvYE2oXjknuQCPneGTvJ-U5_SVBpwkqG7cu_AXXuF9Bxq3R74i1elch7RYs6t-vCF55g,,\u0026amp;typo=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eUrban Sprout Farms\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/u\u003e, and \u003cu\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fyogardener.com%2f\u0026amp;c=E,1,7_2-cT7142keiIdeFOQNpidr_qEaOgcZ60En649LAoLA1yO6sjM3esGAYGmA_MzxBFB0wYYjXjlwpmiQjJMCpF0auDHBemJlNWJap5fCGLGoaTAZdRIR4NE,\u0026amp;typo=1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eYogardener\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/u\u003e \u0026ndash; MUSCAH, Urban Sprout Farms and Yogardener have teamed up to bring a conceptual model for the Urban Sprout Farm Manager\u0026#39;s AgTech Command Center to the BeltLine for the AgTech Challenge.\u0026nbsp;Equipped top to bottom with the most up-to-date remote sensing technology, the demo site will showcase the ways that urban farming can integrate big data analysis into enhanced food production models with efficient alternative housing and sustainable environmental design focused on community development.\u0026nbsp;Incorporating a triple bottom line perspective emphasizing People, Planet and Profit, the team is working to disrupt the urban farming, alternative housing and environmentally conscious community development from the ground up.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.wundergrubs.com/\"\u003eWUNDERGrubs\u003c/a\u003e \u0026ndash; This local healthy snack startup will use an insect farm model incorporating IoT technology to harvest insects as a micro-livestock. This will then be manufactured into food products that are healthy and tasty, plus pack a nutritional punch.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.ponixfarms.com/\"\u003ePonix\u003c/a\u003e \u0026ndash; Ponix is focused on reclassifying food as a utility \u0026ndash; much like water or electricity \u0026ndash; by developing solutions for end-to-end local food ecosystems. Ponix will demo its solution for local and transparent food production in \u003ca href=\"http://www.farmboxfoods.com/\"\u003eFarmbox Foods\u0026rsquo;\u003c/a\u003e 40 feet controlled environment agriculture (CEA) farm. The farm will grow produce year-round, be controlled and monitored from a web or mobile device through the PonixOS and set a new standard for the way food is produced and distributed in cities.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThese startups will implement their innovative solutions in shipping containers along the Atlanta BeltLine to pilot their AgTech technologies and identify scalable solutions to sustainable urban agriculture.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are excited to demonstrate cutting-edge agriculture technologies on the Atlanta BeltLine,\u0026rdquo; said Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. President and CEO Clyde Higgs. \u0026ldquo;We look forward to working with our partners and leveraging the Atlanta BeltLine as a conduit that unites innovators to collaborate on future projects, like this one, making Atlanta a more resilient city for everyone.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to test space along the Atlanta BeltLine, winning startups will receive mentorship and guidance from the Atlanta civic, corporate and technology community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":260,"title":"Executive Corner: Whitty IT Solutions Growing With Help From Invest Atlanta","promo_title":"Executive Corner: Whitty IT Solutions Growing With Help From Invest Atlanta","published_date":"2019-04-09","featured_image":{"id":856,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"whitty_it_insight.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":779749,"resource_updated_at":"2019-04-15T11:04:23.316-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-04-15T11:04:23.457-04:00","updated_at":"2019-05-07T10:04:46.003-04:00","filename_hash":"whitty_it_insight_RJBogmm.png","width":1200,"height":536},"filename":"whitty-it-solutions-growing-with-help-from-invest-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"uU4u4Q","created_at":"2019-04-15T11:04:48.126-04:00","updated_at":"2019-05-07T10:04:45.966-04:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/324228854","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Charlie Whitfield, the founder and CEO of \u003ca href=\"https://www.whittyit.solutions/\"\u003eWhitty IT Solutions\u003c/a\u003e, thanked Invest Atlanta for helping her grow her Atlanta-based tech company.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCharlie Whitfield, the founder and CEO of \u003ca href=\"https://www.whittyit.solutions/\"\u003eWhitty IT Solutions\u003c/a\u003e, thanked Invest Atlanta for helping her grow her Atlanta-based tech company.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWhitty IT Solutions is an IT and professional services company. They provide project management, program management, data analytics, heatlh care IT, FinTech, and cybersecurity solutions.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta has been awesome,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;You\u0026rsquo;re talking about mentoring, not just funding, but guidance. Invest Atlanta provides access to capital, which is something small businesses don\u0026rsquo;t always have. When you paint the picture of where you are, and let them know where you want to be, they can help you get there.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWhitfield has grown her IT business from a sole proprietorship to a thriving company with 16 employees, and offices in Atlanta as well as Alabama, Florida, Virginia, and South Carolina. Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention and Expansion team has worked closely with her during this time.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;The partnering with Invest Atlanta has allowed us this opportunity,\u0026rdquo; said Whitfield.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWhitfield began her business in Atlanta, which described as a thriving \u0026ldquo;tech hub.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;This is the best city for tech,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s affordable, number one. We have a great university system and it\u0026rsquo;s cultivating wonderful tech people. And this small business is right here. We don\u0026rsquo;t need to go anywhere else. The City of Atlanta is very open to doing business with women, minorities, and veterans.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Downtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":258,"title":"Atlanta Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Norfolk Southern Headquarters","promo_title":"Atlanta Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Norfolk Southern Headquarters","published_date":"2019-03-30","featured_image":{"id":853,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"norfolk_southern_groundbreaking.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1103168,"resource_updated_at":"2019-04-09T09:03:34.282-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-04-09T09:03:34.359-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-09T09:04:35.383-04:00","filename_hash":"norfolk_southern_groundbreaking_gvP8Pn2.png","width":1200,"height":536},"filename":"atlanta-celebrates-groundbreaking-for-new-norfolk-southern-headquarters","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"l2qYLQ","created_at":"2019-04-09T09:04:07.479-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-09T09:04:35.345-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Norfolk Southern, joined by Georgia state and city leaders, held a March groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction of its new corporate headquarters building in Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNorfolk Southern, joined by Georgia state and city leaders, held a March groundbreaking ceremony to launch construction of its new corporate headquarters building in Atlanta.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;This is an exciting day for Norfolk Southern: We break ground on a new headquarters building, and equally important, begin a new chapter of our railroad\u0026rsquo;s proud history in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said James A. Squires, chairman, president and chief executive officer. \u0026ldquo;Today, we celebrate the start of an exciting era of collaboration and alignment for the NS corporate team that will benefit our employees, our customers, our shareholders, and the communities we serve.\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nAmong state and local leaders joining Squires for the event were\u0026nbsp;Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Both the state and the city worked closely with Norfolk Southern on development agreements that contributed to the company\u0026rsquo;s decision, announced in December, to relocate its corporate headquarters from Norfolk, Virginia, to Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I would like to thank CEO Jim Squires and the entire Norfolk Southern team on their decision to make Atlanta their new home,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;This relocation is not only a testament to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s thriving, inclusive business community and talented workforce; it exemplifies the power of public-private sector teamwork in our city. We look forward to continued work with the Norfolk Southern team as they begin to transition to Atlanta.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNorfolk Southern and Cousins Properties are designing a campus that reimagines the employee work environment and experience. Amenities to help employees thrive will include a vibrant on-site dining facility, an adjacent rooftop garden and private greenspace, a comprehensive fitness center, state-of-the-art conference and training facilities, on-site child-care, and a variety of individual and shared workspaces to serve employees\u0026rsquo; diverse needs while promoting interaction and collaboration.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe headquarters site is in Tech Square,\u0026nbsp;a hub of innovation, technology, and talent in the heart of Midtown Atlanta with close ties to Georgia Tech, a continual source of talent for Norfolk Southern\u0026rsquo;s management trainee program. In addition, with easy access to MARTA, highways in every direction, and a world-class airport, Norfolk Southern employees will be close to home, close to the Norfolk Southern rail network, and just a step from partners and customers in North America and across the globe.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nPlans call for the building to be completed and occupied by Norfolk Southern in the third quarter of 2021.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe railroad\u0026rsquo;s relocation will bring approximately 850 jobs to Atlanta with an average salary of $105,000 and generate an economic impact of around $811 million for the region.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":254,"title":"Campbellton Road Businesses Receive Support","promo_title":"Campbellton Road Businesses Receive Support","published_date":"2019-03-18","featured_image":{"id":836,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"campbellton_rd_volunteer.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1722525,"resource_updated_at":"2019-03-18T11:43:05.447-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-03-18T11:43:05.855-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-18T13:26:22.065-04:00","filename_hash":"campbellton_rd_volunteer_MYML35o.png","width":1200,"height":693},"filename":"campbellton-road-small-business-support","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"U1l27Q","created_at":"2019-03-18T11:43:59.212-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-18T13:25:36.640-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The\u0026nbsp;Campbellton Road Small Businesses Renovation Program, a partnership between Wells Fargo, Rebuilding Together Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, and Invest Atlanta has helped to renovate three businesses on Campbellton Road.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe\u0026nbsp;Campbellton Road Small Businesses Renovation Program, a partnership between Wells Fargo, Rebuilding Together Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, and Invest Atlanta has helped to renovate three businesses on Campbellton Road. Applicants had to own or operate a business located on Campbellton Road, earn $200,000 or less in gross annual revenue, and have been in continuous operation since November 1, 2017 to be eligible.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe three recipients of renovation funding were Senegambia Restaurant, Hot Chixx Wings ATL, and Getting Ahead Barbershop.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn Wednesday, March 13, volunteers from the partner organizations volunteered their time to do the painting work that was part of the renovations at \u003ca href=\"https://www.senegambiarestaurant.com/\"\u003eSenegambia Restaurant\u003c/a\u003e, which serves a variety of West African, Caribbean and American cuisine. Besides new interior painting, the restaurant received new commercial grade cooking equipment, bathroom upgrades, and walk-in cooler repair.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hair-Salon/Getting-A-Head-BarberShop-1535606126661773/\"\u003eGetting Ahead Barbershop\u003c/a\u003e has been able to purchase new barber chairs, dryer/chair combos, fans, and ceiling tiles.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s not just my business, it belongs to the people and the Atlanta community,\u0026rdquo; said owner Paul Lockhart. \u0026ldquo;They deserve something nice. Our mission statement is serving and preserving the community.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe walk-in cooler and freezer outdoor units were replaced at \u003ca href=\"http://www.hottchixxwings.com/\"\u003eHot Chixx Wings ATL\u003c/a\u003e, allowing them to expand their menu. They also had their indoor cooling units serviced, chairs repairs, and new paint applied to the interior walls.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I love Campbellton Road for giving my family this chance to realize our passion \u0026ndash; food,\u0026rdquo; said Fostoria Dumas. \u0026ldquo;The menu has mostly fast food options, but we are planning to add a few healthier choices, once our cooler/freezer are repaired.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Southside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":256,"title":"Small Business Stories: Hop City Craft Beer \u0026 Wine Founder Kraig Torres","promo_title":"Small Business Stories: Hop City Craft Beer \u0026 Wine Founder Kriag Torres","published_date":"2019-03-17","featured_image":{"id":842,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"kt-_hopy_city.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":422700,"resource_updated_at":"2019-03-21T14:14:32.842-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-03-21T14:14:32.885-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-10T11:35:42.316-04:00","filename_hash":"kt-_hopy_city_E6BkP1R.png","width":846,"height":469},"filename":"small-business-stories-hop-city-craft-beer-wine-founder-kraig-torres","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"jGo7Mg","created_at":"2019-03-21T13:55:46.851-04:00","updated_at":"2019-04-10T11:35:42.275-04:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/325082635","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Hopy City Founder \u0026amp; Cheif Hophead Kraig Torres sat down with Invest Atlanta to talk about what it means to be a part of the Atlanta business landscape and why the West End was a great neighborhood for their newest location\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.hopcitybeer.com/\"\u003eHop City Craft Beer \u0026amp; Wine\u003c/a\u003e Founder and Chief Hophead Kraig Torres sat down with Invest Atlanta to talk about what it means to be a part of the Atlanta business landscape and why the West End was a great neighborhood for their newest location.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHop City is a lifestyle store that specializes in craft beer and wine. Invest Atlanta provided Hop City a \u003ca href=\"/businesses/small-businesses/small-business-loan-programs\"\u003eBusiness Improvement Loan\u003c/a\u003e for a new location, Hop City West End \u0026amp; Boxcar.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Very early on, Invest Atlanta reached out to me,\u0026rdquo; said Torres. \u0026ldquo;They approached me and said, \u0026lsquo;You\u0026rsquo;re opening in a part of town that we feel strongly about.\u0026rdquo; Invest Atlanta also partnered with Torres on workforce initiatives to identify job opportunities at the new location.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHop City currently has five locations in West Midtown, Krog Street Market, West End, Alpharetta, and Birmingham.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We believe that if you can make it here in Atlanta, you can make it in any city in America.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":255,"title":"IA Hosts On the Job Training Info Sessions for Atlanta Businesses","promo_title":"IA Hosts On the Job Training Info Sessions for Atlanta Businesses","published_date":"2019-03-15","featured_image":{"id":838,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"ojt_sessions_2.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":608516,"resource_updated_at":"2019-03-18T13:56:44.282-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-03-18T13:56:44.338-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-18T13:56:56.372-04:00","filename_hash":"ojt_sessions_2_2aR66Ze.png","width":1200,"height":461},"filename":"ia-hosts-on-the-job-training-info-sessions-for-atlanta-businesses","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"eTADDw","created_at":"2019-03-18T13:55:43.404-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-18T13:56:56.333-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Alongside WorkSource Atlanta, Invest Atlanta hosted two On the Job Training information sessions for businesses on March 6, 2019.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAlongside WorkSource Atlanta, Invest Atlanta hosted two On the Job Training information sessions for businesses on March 6, 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt the sessions, WorkSource Atlanta to describe the OJT process and how the business would participate in the program.\u0026nbsp; Informational packets for the businesses and one-on-one consultations were made available to attendees following the sessions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the Job Training helps to ensure that workers and employers have resources needed to maximize their success. It\u0026rsquo;s also designed to assist employers in building a talent pipeline by providing employees with on the job training.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThrough grant funding, WorkSource Atlanta will cover the hourly rate of each work experience employee. The employer must commit to hiring the individual upon successful completion of training. The participant must work up to 40 hours a week until having developed the skills needed by the employer or for a period of 17 weeks, whichever comes first.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about OJT program \u003ca href=\"http://www.worksourceatlanta.org/employers/training-support/\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":252,"title":"Invest Atlanta Joins re:imagine/Alliance to Support Atlanta’s Film \u0026 Digital Media Workforce","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Joins re:imagine/Alliance to Support Atlanta’s Film \u0026 Digital Media Workforce","published_date":"2019-03-13","featured_image":{"id":834,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"alliance.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":36767,"resource_updated_at":"2019-03-14T14:30:53.518-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-03-14T14:30:53.555-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-14T14:31:50.255-04:00","filename_hash":"alliance_QgPz8KN.png","width":1200,"height":393},"filename":"invest-atlanta-joins-reimagine-alliance-to-support-atlantas-film-digital-media-workforce","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"fUiYOg","created_at":"2019-03-14T14:31:50.212-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-14T14:31:50.212-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Creative Media and Entertainment industry joins Atlanta-based nonprofit, re:imagine/ATL in the re:imagine/Alliance to work together towards a vision of a safe, inclusive, and equitable workforce in the film and digital media industry.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Creative Media and Entertainment industry joins Atlanta-based nonprofit, re:imagine/ATL in the re:imagine/Alliance to work together towards a vision of a safe, inclusive, and equitable workforce in the film and digital media industry. The Alliance has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial resources, and activated the skills and networks of its partner organizations to directly invest in equipping the next generation of storytellers across metro Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn response to the need for a skilled, and representative workforce from Georgia\u0026rsquo;s growing entertainment industry, re:imagine/ATL has been working with Atlanta teens to expose them to potential careers, provide training in vital skills, and help make industry connections to build their professional networks. The opportunities presented by the burgeoning entertainment and digital media industries are creating space for a new generation of storytellers that is uniquely positioned to tell their stories from a diverse range\u0026nbsp; of perspectives across race, gender identity, socio-economic status, and cultural background. Funding from the re:imagine/Alliance goes directly to supporting those opportunities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Teens are heavily influenced by what they see and hear, which means the media that surrounds them can greatly impact their lives. We have a responsibility to equip them with the tools they need to tell their own stories, to create spaces that allow them to discover new opportunities in this field, and to provide platforms that encourage the industry to identify new representative talent,\u0026rdquo; said Kimberlin Bolton, re:imagine/ATL\u0026rsquo;s Executive Director. \u0026ldquo;re:imagine/ATL is working to be a strong, sustainable bridge between young underrepresented storytellers and the creative media industry. We recognize that the magnitude of our vision requires the investment of this industry, which is why the re:imagine/Alliance is a key component of our work.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2019 re:imagine/Alliance is made up of both local and national companies including The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Alston \u0026amp; Bird, The Atlanta Voice, Bark Bark, Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta, EUE Screen Gems, Exchange Communications, The Gathering Spot, Georgia Infrastructure \u0026amp; Studio Alliance, Invest Atlanta, Mailchimp, Mailing Avenue Stageworks, Moonshine Post-Production, THEA (Choose ATL), Third Rail Studios, and Turner. Each of these companies shares re:imagine/ATL\u0026rsquo;s vision and believes in the power of storytelling.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Turner believes that art and culture can serve as vehicles for bringing diverse communities together,\u0026rdquo; said Sydney Langdon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility at Turner. \u0026ldquo;Through Turner Voices, our signature corporate philanthropy program, Turner partners with impactful organizations, such as re:imagine/ATL, to strategically invest in community arts and culture to promote stronger dialogue and diversity in the industry\u0026rsquo;s pipeline of emerging voices and to pave the way for the next generation of storytellers.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvesting in the re:imagine/Alliance supports both the creative and economic future of Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Creatives are an integral part of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s dynamic workforce, driving significant economic activity in the city,\u0026rdquo; said Nathan Regan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;The City of Atlanta is a leader in creative industries, and exposing young people to creative career paths is critical to helping the industry thrive for years to come. Invest Atlanta is proud to continue supporting re:imagine/ATL in fostering inclusive workforce development opportunities for the city\u0026rsquo;s next generation of talented creators.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to a financial investment, partner companies work with re:imagine/ATL to offer resources, mentoring, and job shadowing opportunities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":253,"title":"Invest Atlanta Launches NPU-V Small Business Improvement Grant Program","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Launches NPU-V Small Business Improvement Grant Program","published_date":"2019-03-11","featured_image":{"id":835,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"npuv_sbig.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1099365,"resource_updated_at":"2019-03-15T12:52:13.712-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-03-15T12:52:13.787-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-27T09:19:06.902-04:00","filename_hash":"npuv_sbig_OPBxzRQ.png","width":1200,"height":470},"filename":"invest-atlanta-launches-npu-v-small-business-improvement-grant-program","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"yYsvgg","created_at":"2019-03-15T12:53:52.543-04:00","updated_at":"2019-03-27T09:19:06.853-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The NPU-V Small Business Improvement Grant (NPU-V SBIG) program will help strengthen local businesses in certain neighborhoods located in Southwest Atlanta by providing grants toward improvements intended to make small businesses more attractive to customers.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe NPU-V Small Business Improvement Grant (NPU-V SBIG) program will help strengthen local businesses in certain neighborhoods located in Southwest Atlanta by providing grants toward improvements intended to make small businesses more attractive to customers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eQualified business or property owners in the Mechanicsville, Pittsburgh, and Summerhill neighborhoods can receive between $3,000 and $10,00 for eligible exterior and interior renovations. Applications are available \u003ca href=\"/businesses/small-businesses/npu-v-small-business-improvement-program\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e and due May 3, 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNPU-V SBIG aims to enhance the appearance of commercial areas in the neighborhoods of Mechanicsville, Pittsburgh, and Peoplestown to help new and established businesses attract customers and increase revenues, attract more businesses to the area, and build safer, more attractive and stable neighborhoods. The funding has been made available by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEligible applicants must be occupied by an operating business licensed by the City of Atlanta that have a minimum 3-year lease. A minimum of 50% of NPU-V SBIG funds must be used for exterior improvements to the property. Additional application requirements and eligible uses of funds can be found are located within the \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/assets/npu_v_sbig_application_jp9LWxV.pdf\"\u003eNPU-V SBIG guidelines and application\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe program is part of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s larger efforts in the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s southside neighborhoods. The Campbellton Road Small Business Improvement Grant program assisted three small businesses along the southwest Atlanta commercial corridor. In addition, Invest Atlanta recently announced the hiring of Erika Smith as the Southside Community and Economic Development Manager. These announcements come after years of investing in these neighborhoods through our small business loan programs, multifamily housing financing, and homeownership incentives.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Southside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":248,"title":"Third Street Goods Opens Doors in Grant Park","promo_title":"Third Street Goods Opens Doors in Grant Park","published_date":"2019-02-16","featured_image":{"id":823,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"third_street_goods.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":972960,"resource_updated_at":"2019-02-21T15:26:19.822-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-02-21T15:26:19.881-05:00","updated_at":"2019-02-21T15:26:50.862-05:00","filename_hash":"third_street_goods_vlEM2Xx.png","width":1200,"height":582},"filename":"third-street-goods-opens-doors-in-grant-park","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"iRYnPA","created_at":"2019-02-21T15:26:50.830-05:00","updated_at":"2019-02-21T15:26:50.830-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Third Street Goods is a neighborhood market that combines the freshness of a farmer\u0026rsquo;s market and the convenience of a big-name grocery.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThird Street Goods is a neighborhood market that combines the freshness of a farmer\u0026rsquo;s market and the convenience of a big-name grocery. Plus, there\u0026rsquo;s a coffee counter and a speak-easy style bar in the back.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCo-owners Holli Medley and Kathryn DiMenichi are part of a local movement to keep clean, sustainably sourced food approachable and affordable. And, they passionately support like-minded businesses by stocking the shelves with their products.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, Holli and Kathryn honed a list of 65,000 line items to 650, filtering everything from a product\u0026rsquo;s relative distance from its producer and employee care, to the whole ingredients used, environmental stewardship, quality, value, cost, beauty \u0026hellip; and of course, flavor.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We work with co-ops, farmer\u0026rsquo;s markets and female-, minority- and employee-owned businesses who are committed to doing the right thing,\u0026rdquo; says Kathryn. \u0026ldquo;It may not be possible to always stock a perfect selection of unadulterated foods within this bottom-line driven FDA-approved food production system, but we might be able to help turn the ship around, starting with our approved list of 650 items.\u0026rdquo; Located 420 feet off the Beltline at the Beacon in Grant Park, Third Street Goods offers cured and raw meats, cheeses, canned goods, snacks, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and bulk items, as well as limited convenience food and ready-made family meals.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHolli and Kathryn launched the idea of Third Street Goods through a Kickstarter campaign, but a $67,000 loan from Invest Atlanta via Atlanta Emerging Markets Inc. (AEMI) pulled them through the final stretch to opening their doors. \u0026ldquo;Out of all our experiences to get here, Invest Atlanta was by far the most helpful,\u0026rdquo; says Holli. \u0026ldquo;We presented them with our 9-pound business plan (literally), and they were straight-forward, easy to work with and prompt in every way. It\u0026rsquo;s in their name \u0026ndash; they want small businesses in Atlanta to succeed.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe market\u0026rsquo;s name is a nod to Kathryn\u0026rsquo;s paternal great-grandparents, who lived on Third Street.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Whenever something is really delicious, my dad always says, \u0026lsquo;That\u0026rsquo;s Third Street good,\u0026rsquo;\u0026rdquo; explains Kathryn. \u0026ldquo;Food memories are so strong and so important. They take you to another place and time.\u0026rdquo; Cardinal, the bar nestled in the back of Third Street Goods, is meant to be a magical surprise for market patrons. \u0026ldquo;Cardinals represent our ancestors,\u0026rdquo; says Holli, who originally met Kathryn when they both worked as bartenders. \u0026ldquo;If you\u0026rsquo;re ever in a moment of stress or need to slow things down and a cardinal appears, you know someone is looking out for you and everything will be ok.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRead more stories about how Invest Atlanta has helped local small businesses in our \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/assets/investatlanta-annualreport-2018_ZOBqxv8.pdf\"\u003e2018 Annual Report\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n West End\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":247,"title":"Hop City Expanding to 5th Location With Help From Invest Atlanta","promo_title":"Hop City Expanding to 5th Location With Help From Invest Atlanta","published_date":"2019-02-12","featured_image":{"id":822,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"hop_city.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1137258,"resource_updated_at":"2019-02-21T15:20:52.125-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2019-02-21T15:20:52.243-05:00","updated_at":"2019-02-21T15:21:26.817-05:00","filename_hash":"hop_city_DNaqk7v.png","width":1200,"height":563},"filename":"hop-city-expanding-to-5th-location-with-help-from-invest-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"MeyXGA","created_at":"2019-02-21T15:21:26.778-05:00","updated_at":"2019-02-21T15:21:26.778-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Kraig is again working with Invest Atlanta to finance the renovations for his fifth location in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s West End. Invest Atlanta also is helping him staff the new location through a local job bank.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKraig Torres likes his beer. He\u0026rsquo;s traveled the world tasting different stouts, porters, ambers and lagers \u0026ndash; you name it, he\u0026rsquo;s tried it. That love of beer led him to open Hop City Craft Beer \u0026amp; Wine in 2009.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;ve been passionate about beer since it was legal for me to drink,\u0026rdquo; laughs Kraig. He never dreamed it would eventually become his profession. But all in due time.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKraig first partnered with Invest Atlanta back in 2003 \u0026ndash; not to pursue his passion for beer, but to open a collision and body shop. Invest Atlanta provided financing to help Kraig purchase the space for his business. After several years restoring mangled cars, Kraig decided the time had come to pursue his true passion. He opened the first Hop City Craft Beer \u0026amp; Wine in West Midtown with 12 taps and became the forefather of Georgia\u0026rsquo;s beer growler scene.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt that time, craft beer consumption in Georgia was at 4 percent; today it\u0026rsquo;s 20 percent and growing. \u0026ldquo;The public has decided this is what beer is supposed to taste like,\u0026rdquo; says Kraig. \u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m proud of my brewing friends and all they\u0026rsquo;ve accomplished; it\u0026rsquo;s hard to believe how much the market has grown.\u0026rdquo; Kraig and his team have grown Hop City in the process. When he first opened his doors, he had four employees. Today, he\u0026rsquo;s about to open his fifth location (three in Atlanta, one in Alpharetta and one in Birmingham, Alabama) and will have 150 employees across his platform. Home to the East Coast\u0026rsquo;s largest selection of beer, Hop City has indeed made a name for itself \u0026ndash; including being recognized as one of the country\u0026rsquo;s top 10 retailers by RateBeer and being awarded an A+ by Beer Advocate.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta is a really vibrant city,\u0026rdquo; says Kraig. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s a fun melting pot of personality and culture. The best part of my job is meeting new people and introducing them to all the great beer that\u0026rsquo;s being brewed today.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKraig is again working with Invest Atlanta to finance the renovations for his fifth location in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s West End. Invest Atlanta also is helping him staff the new location through a local job bank. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s an easy partnership,\u0026rdquo; says Kraig. \u0026ldquo;They\u0026rsquo;re always willing to listen. If you have a smart business plan and are willing to put in the work, Invest Atlanta can help you achieve your dream.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRead more stories about\u0026nbsp;how Invest Atlanta has helped local small businesses in our \u003ca href=\"https://www.investatlanta.com/assets/investatlanta-annualreport-2018_ZOBqxv8.pdf\"\u003e2018 Annual Report\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n West End\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":243,"title":"Atlanta Forward Loan Fund Launched to Support Startups \u0026 Small Businesses","promo_title":"Atlanta Forward Loan Fund Launched to Support Startups \u0026 Small Businesses","published_date":"2019-01-25","featured_image":{"id":688,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"flatironcity_1.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":107083,"resource_updated_at":"2018-08-06T13:49:40.025-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":5,"created_at":"2018-08-06T13:49:40.326-04:00","updated_at":"2020-04-07T12:39:12.376-04:00","filename_hash":"flatironcity_1_98O29Z4.jpg","width":1000,"height":667},"filename":"invest-atlanta-board-approves-new-resource-to-support-small-businesses-and-startups","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"qR68Pw","created_at":"2019-01-25T09:49:57.084-05:00","updated_at":"2019-01-25T10:23:19.089-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Atlanta Forward Loan Fund will provide assistance to small businesses and startups.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2019","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and the Invest Atlanta Board recently approved a resolution to create a new resource, the Atlanta Forward Loan Fund. This new pilot program will support small businesses and startups.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We wanted to figure out what we can do to continue to cultivate the small business and startup ecosystem,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President \u0026amp; CEO of Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Atlanta Forward Loan fund will provide assistance to small businesses and startup companies located within accelerators, incubators, and other programs that provide capacity building in the City of Atlanta. Loan size will range from $5,000 to $20,000,\u0026nbsp;and between 10 to 20 small business will receive financing. Funding for the new pilot program will be reprogrammed from the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Opportunity Loan Fund and managed by Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;With initiatives like the Atlanta Forward Loan Fund, we will continue to strengthen Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s reputation as a top-ranked city for small business owners and entrepreneurs,\u0026rdquo; said Klementich. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMayor Bottoms and Invest Atlanta are committed to supporting the nearly 20,000 small businesses that choose to call Atlanta home. The Atlanta Forward Loan Fund joins the list of several other small business resources that Invest Atlanta offers including \u003ca href=\"/businesses/small-businesses/small-business-loan-programs\"\u003eloan programs\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"/businesses/small-businesses/business-assistance\"\u003ebusiness assistance\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://www.atlinbusiness.com/\"\u003eATLInBusiness.com\u003c/a\u003e, and more.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":236,"title":"Norfolk Southern Announces Headquarters Relocation to Atlanta","promo_title":"Norfolk Southern Announces Headquarters Relocation to Atlanta","published_date":"2018-12-13","featured_image":{"id":778,"parent_id":1,"resource_file_name":"norfolk_souther.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":171365,"resource_updated_at":"2018-12-13T12:00:22.557-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-12-13T12:00:22.598-05:00","updated_at":"2018-12-13T12:01:17.406-05:00","filename_hash":"norfolk_souther_KDKQElx.jpg","width":1500,"height":726},"filename":"norfolk-southern-announces-headquarters-relocation-to-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"wIb0Lg","created_at":"2018-12-13T12:01:17.367-05:00","updated_at":"2018-12-13T12:01:17.367-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Governor Nathan Deal and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Norfolk Southern Corporation will relocate its headquarters from Virginia to Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGovernor Nathan Deal and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Norfolk Southern Corporation will relocate its headquarters from Virginia to Atlanta. Norfolk Southern is a premier transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products and operates the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern United States.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;As a major hub for both transportation and innovation, Georgia is a fitting home for Norfolk Southern\u0026rsquo;s new headquarters,\u0026rdquo; said Deal. Norfolk Southern is purchasing property at 650 West Peachtree St. NW in Midtown and collaborating with Cousins Properties for development purposes. The company currently has existing operations in Midtown near the Woodruff Arts Center.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe new campus will house the company\u0026rsquo;s headquarters, dispatch operations, operations and service support center, crew management center, corridor operations offices, national customer service center, administrative functions, marketing department, and police communications center.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are proud that another Fortune 500 company will make Atlanta its home,\u0026rdquo; said Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;Norfolk Southern\u0026rsquo;s decision to expand its current Atlanta operations and relocate its headquarters here is a testament to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s thriving business community and talented workforce.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta collaborated with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Power to assist with the project. With this relocation, Norfolk Southern will create 850 new jobs, retain 2,025 jobs, and invest $575 million.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;As a city founded as the terminus of a railroad line, it means so much for Atlanta to have Norfolk Southern choose to locate their headquarters here,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President \u0026amp; CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;The estimated $811 million economic impact the company will bring to our city will create and retain jobs, attract investment, and further strengthen our position as a top-tier transportation and logistics hub.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eProgress on Norfolk Southern\u0026rsquo;s move to Atlanta has already commenced and will span the next several years as the new headquarters is constructed. More details about the project are expected during the first quarter of 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":227,"title":"Switch Modern Thriving in West Midtown, With An Assist from Invest Atlanta","promo_title":"Switch Modern Thriving in West Midtown, With An Assist from Invest Atlanta","published_date":"2018-11-07","featured_image":{"id":741,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"switch_modern_1.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":744745,"resource_updated_at":"2018-11-07T12:46:34.677-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-11-07T12:46:34.716-05:00","updated_at":"2018-11-20T10:02:27.981-05:00","filename_hash":"switch_modern_1_lpJkZg1.png","width":1000,"height":464},"filename":"switch-modern-thriving-in-west-midtown-with-an-assist-from-invest-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"h-YiKA","created_at":"2018-11-07T12:47:48.749-05:00","updated_at":"2018-11-07T12:51:35.451-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Switch Modern turned to Invest Atlanta for a small business loan at a time when bank financing was more difficult to secure.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRoy Otwell and Doug Henderson, the co-owners of the modern home furnishings seller Switch Modern, launched their business when they had already established successful careers. (The \u0026ldquo;Switch\u0026rdquo; in their company name is a reference to their career changes.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We were already middle-aged,\u0026rdquo; said Otwell, \u0026ldquo;and decided to make a change for all things design.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the two work together to sell luxury home furniture, upholstery, lighting, and accessories. They have a showroom in West Midtown and do a good deal of business online at their site, \u003ca href=\"https://www.switchmodern.com/\"\u003eswitchmodern.com\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe business is thriving, in large part because Otwell and Henderson work so well together.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The beauty of the partnership is that there\u0026rsquo;s always somebody else who has an opinion that you can rely upon, who can fill in for you, has knowledge that is better than yours,\u0026rdquo; said Otwell.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThey originally opened the business in 2002 as a single-brand showroom featuring products form Italian company Polyform. They have since expanded out to feature more than 80 brands, with clients from across the country.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Doug likes to say we sell everything from the front door to the back door, except the front door and the back door,\u0026rdquo; said Otwell.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA big part of the value proposition they offer is the curation of products with timeless designs, some of which date back 120 years. In addition, they provide top-notch, personalized service to all their clients. This has created a good a strong reserve of customer loyalty over the years.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;What we try to do is make that process as easy and pain-free for customers as possible so they can have fun doing it,\u0026rdquo; Henderson said of the Switch modern sales experience. \u0026ldquo;And then let us take care of the difficult work behind the scenes the customer never needs to know about.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSwitch Modern turned to Invest Atlanta at a time when bank financing was more difficult to secure.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;That was coming out of the Recession, no banks lending anything,\u0026rdquo; said Otwell. \u0026ldquo;We needed to do what we could to piece together the right financial package and certainly Invest Atlanta was one of those. They had a nice little package for this side of town, specifically the zone that we were in, that made it possible for us to have access to some funds.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe company secured a loan that helped them move into their\u0026nbsp;expanded 25,000 square-foot showroom in West Midtown. The two had what they described as a \u0026ldquo;wonderful\u0026rdquo; experience working closely with IA\u0026rsquo;s Lonnie Saboor and Cynthia Freeman to secure the loan through one of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small business loan programs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs they approach two decades of being in business, Otwell and Henderson have no regrets, though they do have some advice to offer those thinking of jumping into entrepreneurship.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s a wonderful, terrible thing,\u0026rdquo; said Otwell. \u0026ldquo;You work harder, you work longer, you never not work. But at the same time, you have the gratification of seeing some fruits of your labor. You get to see directly what works and while you\u0026rsquo;re responsible, you get to bathe in the glory and get the satisfaction.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":226,"title":"BlackRock's New Innovation Center to Create 1,000 Jobs in Atlanta","promo_title":"BlackRock's New Innovation Center to Create 1,000 Jobs in Atlanta","published_date":"2018-10-25","featured_image":{"id":739,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"blackrock_image.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":989808,"resource_updated_at":"2018-11-07T09:55:40.393-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-11-07T09:55:40.507-05:00","updated_at":"2021-01-04T14:20:36.050-05:00","filename_hash":"blackrock_image_PgnYLYN.png","width":1000,"height":498},"filename":"blackrock-bringing-1000-jobs-to-new-innovation-center-in-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"Ik2gFA","created_at":"2018-11-07T09:56:37.096-05:00","updated_at":"2018-11-07T10:12:52.531-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n BlackRock, the world\u0026rsquo;s largest asset management firm and a technology solutions provider, has chosen Atlanta for the company\u0026rsquo;s newest Innovation Hub. BlackRock plans to build its presence in the City of Atlanta, partner with the Atlanta business community and local universities, and create 1,000 career opportunities over the next several years.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBlackRock, the world\u0026rsquo;s largest asset management firm and a technology solutions provider, has chosen Atlanta for the company\u0026rsquo;s newest Innovation Hub. BlackRock plans to build its presence in the City of Atlanta, partner with the Atlanta business community and local universities, and create 1,000 career opportunities over the next several years.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s culture of collaboration with public and private stakeholders bolsters our region\u0026rsquo;s economy, creates well-paying jobs and expands economic opportunity,\u0026rdquo; said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;The opening of BlackRock\u0026rsquo;s Atlanta Innovation Hub continues this legacy and we look forward to welcoming and working with them.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBy expanding in Atlanta, BlackRock will extend its technology capabilities and enjoy proximity to top universities, including Georgia Tech, where BlackRock currently sponsors the BlackRock Hallac Scholarship for socioeconomically disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;BlackRock\u0026rsquo;s decision to locate in Atlanta is a testament to the strength of our rapidly growing technology ecosystem,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Technology business expansions in 2018 alone are projected to create an economic impact of $500 million as these companies make thousands of new hires and millions of dollars of capital investment. BlackRock is at the forefront of investment tech and will join more than 20 corporate innovation centers here that make us a top-tier city for corporate innovation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInnovative companies like BlackRock have been attracted to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s talent, affordability, accessibility, infrastructure,\u0026nbsp;and booming tech ecosystem. Atlanta has recently welcomed the expansion of Pandora, the new Georgia Pacific Innovation Center, Starbucks\u0026rsquo; east coast shared services facility, and the expansion of Salesforce. These four expansions will create over 1,400 jobs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The Atlanta innovation hub is an example of BlackRock\u0026rsquo;s strategy to serve clients globally and locally and we are excited to build our presence in the area over the next several years,\u0026rdquo; said BlackRock Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldstein. \u0026ldquo;Atlanta was chosen for its skilled and diverse talent pool, thriving business community and high quality of life as we look to attract top talent and constantly innovate how we operate.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":223,"title":"Salesforce Bringing 600 Jobs to Atlanta","promo_title":"Salesforce Bringing 600 Jobs to Atlanta","published_date":"2018-10-16","featured_image":{"id":726,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"salesforce_tower_insight.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":843584,"resource_updated_at":"2018-10-16T11:03:57.957-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-10-16T11:03:58.062-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-16T11:05:29.523-04:00","filename_hash":"salesforce_tower_insight_wjNDKE8.png","width":1183,"height":538},"filename":"salesforce-bringing-600-jobs-to-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"sgVc9A","created_at":"2018-10-16T11:05:10.044-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-16T11:05:29.492-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Salesforce, the global customer relationship management (CRM) leader, recently announced they will create 600 jobs and invest $12.25 million to significantly expand its presence in Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSalesforce, the global customer relationship management (CRM) leader, recently announced they will create 600 jobs and invest $12.25 million to significantly expand its presence in Atlanta. The company will grow its footprint to seven floors in its existing building, The Atlanta Plaza, which will now be known as Salesforce Tower Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Salesforce joins other market-leading global brands that have recently announced plans to grow their operations in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;We are proud to be a top choice for companies looking for a talented workforce, quality-of-life, and a welcoming and inclusive business community. The Salesforce cloud will be an exciting addition to our ever-evolving skyline.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSalesforce , the global leader in CRM, announced Salesforce Tower Atlanta, significantly expanding the company\u0026rsquo;s regional headquarters in Atlanta. As part of the expansion, Salesforce plans to add 600 new jobs locally, over the next five years, helping fuel the city\u0026rsquo;s economic development. The company will grow its footprint in The Atlanta Plaza in Buckhead, which will now be known as Salesforce Tower Atlanta. Salesforce employees will start moving into the newly renovated floors beginning in 2019.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSalesforce Tower Atlanta joins the ranks of other Salesforce regional headquarters, including Salesforce Tower New York, Salesforce Tower Indianapolis, Salesforce Tower London, and the company\u0026rsquo;s worldwide headquarters, Salesforce Tower San Francisco.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Top global tech firms like Salesforce are choosing Atlanta to access our highly skilled workforce, advanced technology infrastructure and academic institutions,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;A majority of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s recent new business activity has been in technology and related industry sectors, which has created more than 2,300 new technology-focused jobs so far this year. We are proud to have Salesforce plant deeper roots in Atlanta and look forward to working closely with the company as they continue to grow here.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSalesforce has been named one of Fortune\u0026rsquo;s Best Places to Work for the past 10 years and was recently ranked one of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Best Places to Work by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Salesforce Tower Atlanta will be a hub for world-class, diverse talent, enabling the company to deliver new innovations to its more than 150,000 customers around the world. Salesforce has nearly 600 employees in the Atlanta area and more than 32,000 employees worldwide. Atlanta is home to many Salesforce customers including Coca-Cola, InterContinental Hotels Group, SunTrust and Kabbage.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Salesforce continues to reach new heights and we\u0026rsquo;re thrilled to further our commitment to the city of Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Elizabeth Pinkham, EVP, Real Estate, Salesforce. \u0026ldquo;Salesforce Tower Atlanta provides a one-of-a-kind workspace where all of our employees can do the best work of their lives while supporting the community by giving back.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Buckhead\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":221,"title":"Invest Atlanta Takes Home Two IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Takes Home Two IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards","published_date":"2018-10-03","featured_image":{"id":723,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"iedc_awards_twitter.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":582007,"resource_updated_at":"2018-10-04T10:00:00.917-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-10-04T10:00:01.107-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-04T10:01:53.546-04:00","filename_hash":"iedc_awards_twitter_NnLz6nJ.png","width":1000,"height":500},"filename":"invest-atlanta-takes-home-two-iedc-excellence-in-economic-development-awards","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"XWUnNw","created_at":"2018-10-04T10:01:21.927-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-04T10:01:53.515-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its I-85 Alive Business Rapid Response project in the category of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event. In addition, Invest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development\u0026nbsp;Award in\u0026nbsp;the category of Equity and Diversity for its work within the Westside Tax Allocation District.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta won two Excellence in Economic Development awards at the 2018 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) annual conference held this week in Atlanta. IEDC\u0026#39;s Excellence in Economic Development Awards program recognizes the world\u0026#39;s best economic development programs and partnerships, and honors organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its I-85 Alive Business Rapid Response project in the category of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event. In addition, Invest Atlanta received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award\u0026nbsp;in the category of Equity and Diversity for its work within the Westside Tax Allocation District.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It is an honor to have the work and dedication of the City\u0026rsquo;s economic development team recognized by the world\u0026rsquo;s most prestigious economic development organization,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;What makes it even more special is that we are being recognized for helping small businesses through a man-made disaster, and our efforts around equity in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Westside neighborhoods. We hope other economic development agencies around the world can learn from these efforts and implement similar initiatives in their own communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses,\u0026rdquo; said Craig Richard, CEcD, FM, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, and 2018 IEDC Board Chair. \u0026ldquo;We congratulate all the award winners, and thank everyone who nominated their projects for sharing their success with fellow IEDC members. What we learn from each other helps us to grow and advance as a profession. We look forward to even greater participation from economic developers across the globe in the 2019 awards program.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI-85 Alive Business Rapid Response \u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e2018 IEDC Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta mobilized to support businesses affected by the March 2017, I-85 overpass fire in Atlanta. An I-85 Alive Small Business Resource Event gave business owners an opportunity to meet with local service providers and assess their options. At the event, Invest Atlanta\u0026#39;s partners offered attendees technical assistance, information about business loans, consulting, and other resources. Featured partners came from more than a dozen business and community organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center, private banks, WorkSource Atlanta, and City officials. Additionally, in partnership with Lyft, transportation options and discounts were offered to make it easier for workers and patrons to access affected\u0026nbsp;businesses. For businesses located within a 1-mile radius of the closure, most merchants experienced immediate declines in economic activity when the road closed, followed by a rebound in sales after I-85 reopened.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestside Tax Allocation District (TAD) \u0026ndash;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e2018 IEDC Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award: Equity \u0026amp; Inclusion\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1992, the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and the Atlanta School Board established the Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) to spur public and private investment in the neighborhoods west of Downtown Atlanta. Invest Atlanta redoubled these efforts in 2013 through a planning process that engaged more than 300 community stakeholders, focusing on the historic neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue, and portions of Castleberry Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economic development agency, Invest Atlanta has focused on increasing equity and inclusion through positive redevelopment within the Westside TAD and administering the tax allocation district financing process. These investments have helped to nurture a more vibrant and connected community by enhancing Downtown tourism and building an entertainment core; creating and retaining jobs; building a vibrant office and retail core; supporting mixed-income housing; and improving transportation and pedestrian access.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":222,"title":"Atlanta International Startup Exchange Connects Businesses With New Global Opportunities","promo_title":"Atlanta International Startup Exchange Connects Businesses With New Global Opportunities","published_date":"2018-10-02","featured_image":{"id":724,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"startup_exchange_logo_insight.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":625571,"resource_updated_at":"2018-10-11T09:11:03.576-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-10-11T09:11:03.704-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-11T09:12:42.486-04:00","filename_hash":"startup_exchange_logo_insight_RJL6eZw.png","width":1000,"height":412},"filename":"atlanta-international-startup-exchange-connects-businesses-with-new-global-opportunities","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-D-Z9Q","created_at":"2018-10-11T09:12:31.027-04:00","updated_at":"2018-10-11T09:12:42.456-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of International Affairs and Invest Atlanta, along with international partner Metropole Toulouse, recently selected the final eight companies for the 2018 Atlanta International Startup Exchange.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of International Affairs and Invest Atlanta, along with international partner Metropole Toulouse, recently selected the final eight companies for the \u003ca href=\"/businesses/startups-creatives/atlanta-international-startup-exchange\"\u003e2018 Atlanta International Startup Exchange\u003c/a\u003e. The one-week international residency will provide Atlanta-based companies a platform for global expansion in France. Four Toulouse-based companies will also travel to Atlanta as part of the program.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;The International Startup Exchange provides businesses in Atlanta with unique opportunities and resources to increase their global presence and achieve sustainable growth,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;It is important to build and maintain productive relationships with our growing international community as the City continues to attract new residents and investments from around the globe.\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nRepresentatives from ThingTech, Loupe LLC, TC Poly, and Blind Tiger Communications traveled Toulouse on September 30, 2018 through October 7 during the EmTech Conference. During the week, the startups will meet with French entrepreneurs, European decision makers, investors, and executives in their respective sectors.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;In today\u0026rsquo;s global economy, it is vital for startups to gain early access to international markets,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;In fact, companies exporting beyond our borders grow 20 percent faster and are less likely to go out of business. Through the International Startup Exchange, the City of Atlanta is giving our startups the chance to tap into new customers and funding opportunities. Atlanta is a global city, and part of that means hosting international startups, so they can see all of our city\u0026rsquo;s assets as they look to grow and expand.\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nFour Toulouse-based startups, Geotrend, VUF, Pixstart, and VYFE, will travel to Atlanta during VentureAtlanta from October 15-19, 2018. The visiting startups will connect with local startup ecosystems, gain access to international conferences and engage with investors, business leaders and potential clients. Atlanta and Toulouse partnered for the exchange based on the strength of their existing relationships and shared growing industries.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;Sister cities Toulouse and Atlanta are ideal partners in this startup exchange. Toulouse is the home of Airbus, and Atlanta has the world\u0026rsquo;s busiest airport. Atlanta is rich in Fortune 500 companies, and Toulouse has world-renowned research institutions. It is our pleasure to welcome the Toulouse startups each year and watch them expand their global reach using the connections they make while here,\u0026rdquo; said Louis de Corail, French Consul General in Atlanta.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe inaugural Atlanta International Startup Exchange program was launched in October 2016 during the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Atlanta-Toulouse sister city relationship. The program expanded to the United Kingdom when it returned for a second year in October 2017.\u0026nbsp; Last year, the Atlanta International Startup Exchange program was awarded the Sister Cities International 2017 Economic Development Award.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":218,"title":"Small Business Spotlight: Sweet Auburn Seafood Approaching 4th Anniversary","promo_title":"Small Business Spotlight: Sweet Auburn Seafood Celebrates 4th Anniversary","published_date":"2018-09-12","featured_image":{"id":720,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"sweet_auburn_seafood.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":952316,"resource_updated_at":"2018-09-19T14:15:06.462-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-09-19T14:15:06.707-04:00","updated_at":"2018-09-19T14:21:31.385-04:00","filename_hash":"sweet_auburn_seafood_lpXVByv.jpg","width":5760,"height":2844},"filename":"small-business-spotlight-sweet-auburn-seafood-celebrates-4th-anniversary","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"dJ7q9g","created_at":"2018-09-19T14:15:38.817-04:00","updated_at":"2018-09-19T14:21:31.311-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Now approaching its fourth year in operation, Sweet Auburn Seafood is the largest restaurant along the Auburn Avenue corridor, providing an upscale, white tablecloth dining option for those living in or visiting Downtown Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSweet Auburn Seafood owner Paul WIlliams didn\u0026rsquo;t grow up in Atlanta, but as a child, he read\u0026nbsp;about Auburn Avenue. For decades, the \u0026ldquo;Sweet Auburn\u0026rdquo; area was known nationwide as a key commercial corridor where African-American entrepreneurs could thrive.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This was the commercial hub for black businesses in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Williams. \u0026ldquo;I really wanted\u0026nbsp;my name, my family name, to be part of the resurgence of this area.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe walls of the restaurant pay homage to this area\u0026#39;s unique history. Diners can see photos of people like Alonzo Herndon, the former slave who went on to found the Atlanta Life Insurance Company,\u0026nbsp;Herman J. Russell, who built a lasting legacy a leader in commercial real estate development in Atlanta, and of course, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birth home sits a few blocks away.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;ve tried to provide some sense of what the area used to look like,\u0026rdquo; said Williams.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eToday, Sweet Auburn Seafood is the largest restaurant along the corridor, providing an upscale, white tablecloth dining option for those living in or visiting Downtown Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWilliams was a Wendy\u0026rsquo;s franchise for 20-plus years before he decided to create his own\u0026nbsp;independent restaurant brand. He chose to serve seafood, partly to differentiate\u0026nbsp;from the other restaurants in the area.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We said, \u0026lsquo;Well, let\u0026rsquo;s do something different, let\u0026rsquo;s give the area something different,\u0026rdquo; he said.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd though he admits it\u0026rsquo;s been \u0026ldquo;challenging and intimidating\u0026rdquo; at times, his restaurant has now been in operation since 2014. Customers appreciate how the restaurant pays homage to the area\u0026rsquo;s history and provides delicious food with high-caliber service.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta provided Sweet Auburn Seafood with a small business loan a few years ago to help them purchase kitchen equipment.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWilliams\u0026rsquo; advice for entrepreneurs: make sure this is really what you want to do.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This is not the kind of business that you want to try and see if you like it,\u0026rdquo; he said. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s got to be in your blood because it\u0026rsquo;s going to test you over and over and over every day.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;You\u0026rsquo;ve got to be committed to it to be successful at it.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Downtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":215,"title":"IA Board Passes Sweeping New Projects for Affordable Housing, Job Creation and Neighborhood Revitalization","promo_title":"IA Board Passes Sweeping New Projects for Atlanta","published_date":"2018-09-01","featured_image":{"id":711,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"healey_building.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":964130,"resource_updated_at":"2018-09-11T13:39:02.069-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-09-11T13:39:02.201-04:00","updated_at":"2018-09-11T13:40:54.576-04:00","filename_hash":"healey_building_eX2VvN6.png","width":1000,"height":598},"filename":"ia-board-passes-sweeping-new-projects-for-affordable-housing-job-creation-and-neighborhood-revitalization","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"WjP-Og","created_at":"2018-09-11T13:40:13.521-04:00","updated_at":"2018-09-11T13:40:54.544-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n At Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s August 2018 board meeting, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and members of the Invest Atlanta board approved 15 resolutions to provide more affordable housing, as well as create new jobs and bring additional investment to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s communities.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAt Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s August 2018 board meeting, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and members of the Invest Atlanta board approved 15 resolutions to provide more affordable housing, as well as create new jobs and bring additional investment to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s communities.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe actions taken by the board will result in 502 affordable housing units, 522 new full-time jobs, and $277 million worth of economic investment to our City.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The actions of the Invest Atlanta Board demonstrates our strong commitment to achieving the goals of our One Atlanta vision: affordable housing; equitable job growth; and protecting our legacy residents and the neighborhoods they helped to build,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Bottoms.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMajor projects the board approved include:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e272 Affordable Multi-Family Units at The Villages of East Lake:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe Urban Residential Finance Authority (URFA) board approved the preservation and renovation of 272 affordable housing units at the Villages of East Lake. The passage of an inducement resolution will provide $43 million in tax-exempt bond financing and extend affordability at the development for 30 years. 272 of the development\u0026rsquo;s 542 units will be reserved for those earning 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or below.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e196 Affordable Senior Housing Units at Peachtree Road Senior Tower:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe URFA board approved an inducement resolution to support $16 million in tax-exempt bond financing for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Peachtree Senior Tower, an existing public housing tower serving seniors and young disabled individuals. The 196 units will be available to those earning an AMI of 60 percent or less, and RAD project-based vouchers will enable tenants to pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e34 Affordable Multi-Family Units at 143 Alabama:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eA $2 million Westside TAD grant approved by the Atlanta Development Authority (ADA) board will support the renovation of the historic Atlanta Constitution building at 143 Alabama Steet. The developer, Pope \u0026amp; Land, is renovating this historic building into office space and ground-floor retail. Working with Place Properties, the developer will also build 112 new residential units, 34 of which will be income-restricted to households earning 80 percent of AMI.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChattahoochee Land Swap:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe ADA board approved a fair market exchange of land with Chattahoochee Trails, LLC for the assemblage of the Chattahoochee River Greenway and a proposed mixed-income housing and retail development. The development team has agreed to a minimum of 20 percent workforce housing targeting residents earning between 60 to 120 percent of AMI. Housing will range from apartments for rent to townhomes for sale.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e500 Jobs at New Starbucks Office:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe ADA board approved an Economic Opportunity Fund grant of up to $250,000 to support the creation of a satellite office for Starbucks Corporation in the City of Atlanta. This was a competitive project that Invest Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Power worked on in partnership. The company will create an estimated 500 fulltime jobs, with a total expected investment of around $16 million and an economic impact of $190 million.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeorgia Aquarium Expansion:\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;The ADA board approved a $7.5 million Westside TAD grant that will support The Georgia Aquarium as they seek to develop a 68,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility to house a one-of-a-kind predator exhibit, which will display aquatic life not presently available to visitors. The $108 million total capital investment will add a dynamic new architectural element to Downtown Atlanta, while adding 22 fulltime employees and 20 part-time employees. Currently, the Georgia Aquarium generates $5.5 million in sales tax, and the expansion will generate an additional $1.3 million.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpdating the Fa\u0026ccedil;ade of Historic Healey Building:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe ADA board approved a Westside TAD Downtown Fa\u0026ccedil;ade Improvement grant of up to $199,820 to support the renovation and improvement of the exterior of the historic mixed-use Healey Building in Downtown Atlanta. The Healey, completed in 1913, was the last major skyscraper built in Atlanta preceding World War I. The internal and external improvements will significantly enhance the appearance of the building to prospective tenants, keep rents competitive and attractive by subsidizing exterior improvements, and bring the commercial space to current market standards.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) to Support Energy Efficiency and Green Jobs:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board approved the issuance of $500 million in bonds to support the PACE financing program to provide property owners with access to private capital to finance improvements that reduce energy and water consumption. The PACE program will ease access to private capital for green building projects, reduce energy bills and increases property values, create local green jobs, and sustain Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s role as a leader in sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s days like today that make me most proud to lead this great organization,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;By supporting 502 affordable housing units and creating 522 jobs and many other investments, we\u0026rsquo;re making an impact the lives of so many businesses and residents throughout the city. The actions taken today under the guidance of Mayor Bottoms are helping to create a more dynamic and equitable Atlanta.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":212,"title":"Small Business Spotlight: Marley Media Productions Films Everything From Falcons to Beyoncé","promo_title":"Small Business Spotlight: Marley Media Productions Films Everything From Falcons to Beyoncé","published_date":"2018-08-30","featured_image":{"id":702,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"marley_media.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1029467,"resource_updated_at":"2018-08-22T10:33:27.402-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-08-22T10:33:27.465-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-29T11:19:50.626-04:00","filename_hash":"marley_media_jpQMpWY.png","width":1000,"height":531},"filename":"small-business-spotlight-marley-media-productions-films-everything-from-falcons-to-beyonce","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"5xEhhw","created_at":"2018-08-22T10:34:53.141-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-29T11:19:50.582-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \u003ca href=\"https://www.marleymediaproductions.com/\"\u003eMarley Media Productions\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;based in the City of Atlanta, has been telling stories through film and video for nearly a quarter century. The company ​handles the majority of filming for commercials and other video production for the NFL at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.marleymediaproductions.com/\"\u003eMarley Media Productions\u003c/a\u003e has been telling stories through film and video for nearly a quarter century. They\u0026rsquo;ve done it using their unique docu-film style that puts the viewer in the middle of the action, whether it\u0026rsquo;s on the field at an Atlanta Falcons game or onstage with Beyonc\u0026eacute;.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Atlanta, the company handles the entire creative process\u0026mdash;from pre-production to post-production\u0026mdash;including services like on-location camera work, editing, graphic design, and event integration.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We do it all,\u0026rdquo; said Mark Eschoe, who runs the this one-stop production shop with his partner Kiyomi Rollins. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re always busy doing content creation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarley Media Productions handles the majority of filming for commercials and other video production for the NFL at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons. They\u0026rsquo;ve also provided services for a wide variety of other well-known national brands, including Major League Soccer, the NCAA, and Energy Monster Truck events.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The majority of our clients are sports-related,\u0026rdquo; said Rollins. \u0026ldquo;That client is coming to us because they need help creating video content created for website, social media, or marketing activation.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThey also document concerts, and recently they had the opportunity to collaborate with Beyonc\u0026eacute; to film her concerts\u0026mdash;not once, but twice.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;ve done a bunch of things production-wise, but very few people can say they were on stage with\u0026nbsp;Beyonc\u0026eacute; and Jay Z,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRunning the company is a dream come true for Eschoe, who was born and raised in Jamaica and lived in Brooklyn for several years. He moved to Atlanta after graduating from film school.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Since I was a kid, I was always amazed by storytelling,\u0026rdquo; he said. Soon after he arrived in Atlanta, he drove down Northside Drive near the Georgia Dome and saw a video playing about the Atlanta Falcons.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I looked up at the Jumbotron that was there, and I remember looking up, \u0026lsquo;Wow, what a great feeling that must be, whoever is doing this,\u0026rsquo;\u0026rdquo; he said. \u0026ldquo;It was just kind of like a dream.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith Rollins, Eschoe has made that dream a reality, creating a media production company after their daughter Marley. (She was named after the legendary reggae singer-songwriter Bob Marley.) They settled on the name because they wanted to be meaningful and \u0026ldquo;something that just lasts forever.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMarley Media Productions separates itself by staying on the cutting-edge of new filming technologies, like drone services, and staying up-to-date on always evolving video format standards.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Because we do come from a very technical base, we\u0026rsquo;re looking at those things and that\u0026rsquo;s what allows us to be successful,\u0026rdquo; said Rollins. \u0026ldquo;You have to be aware of what the industry trends are and know your customer.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBetween them, Eschoe and Rollins have decades of entrepreneurial experience. They also currently own\u0026nbsp;and operate\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegoodhairshop.com/\"\u003eThe Good Hair Shop\u003c/a\u003e in Westview, where they sell plant-based natural hair products. With the help of a small business loan from Invest Atlanta, they\u0026#39;ve been able to sustain and grow her business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond financial resources, Eschoe and Rollins have received additional assistance through Invest Atlanta Small Business Development Director Lonnie Saboor, someone that they\u0026rsquo;ve come to \u0026ldquo;adore.\u0026rdquo; He\u0026rsquo;s provided them with much-needed advice and helped them prepare for new market opportunities through supplier diversity programs. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Talking to Lonnie, it was the first time that I met someone in that position that I felt got it,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;He gives you a listening ear of empathy that I\u0026rsquo;ve just never had.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;What I didn\u0026rsquo;t realize initially that Invest Atlanta is kind of like a long-term support system. They\u0026rsquo;re really great at doing those follow-ups.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":211,"title":"Innovative Partnership Awards $200,000 to Four Atlanta Civic Entrepreneurs","promo_title":"Innovative Partnership Awards $200,000 to Four Atlanta Civic Entrepreneurs","published_date":"2018-08-15","featured_image":{"id":696,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"civic_impact_2.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":731925,"resource_updated_at":"2018-08-15T09:05:58.900-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":4,"created_at":"2018-08-15T09:05:59.160-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-15T10:51:35.878-04:00","filename_hash":"civic_impact_2_zm4Pa9X.jpg","width":5409,"height":3606},"filename":"innovative-partnership-awards-200000-to-four-atlanta-civic-entrepreneurs","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"PEwetA","created_at":"2018-08-15T10:15:26.635-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-15T10:51:22.032-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Four Atlanta social ventures have been awarded a total of $200,000 by the Sara Blakely Foundation and Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI) through the Civic Impact Loan Fund.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFour Atlanta social ventures have been awarded a total of $200,000 by the Sara Blakely Foundation and Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI) through the Civic Impact Loan Fund, an effort created in partnership with the Center for Civic Innovation (CCI) to support early-stage civic entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and expanding their community impact in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;With these investments, we\u0026rsquo;re supporting Atlanta entrepreneurs working on the front lines, each and every day, to make a positive impact on other peoples\u0026rsquo; lives and improve the overall equity, health, and inclusivity of our city,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta and a member of the AEMI board. \u0026ldquo;The innovative solutions and commitment these female entrepreneurs bring to their efforts will create new jobs and balanced economic growth in their communities. I am proud that the City of Atlanta continues to stand at the forefront of supporting early-stage social impact businesses and look forward to working with the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation and the Center for Civic Innovation to grow this program well into the future.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;For me, this is about investing in the person\u0026hellip;not just the business,\u0026rdquo; said Sara Blakely, founder and CEO of Spanx and the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation. \u0026ldquo;Not only do I believe we need to close the gap in women\u0026rsquo;s access to capital, I believe we need to give these women the holistic support that will enable them to soar. After providing them with a year of mentorship and training in partnership with CCI, we are celebrating their success and excited to invest in their businesses so they can grow and scale their impact.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach organization contributed $100,000 to fund early-stage civic entrepreneurs. In July 2018, four applicants were selected to receive the $200,000 in total funding: ChopArt, Dashboard US, The Dharma Project, and re:imagine/ATL. All four of the women leading these organizations are recent graduates of CCI\u0026rsquo;s Civic Innovation Residency program, a one-year intensive leadership, business development and coaching program for civic entrepreneurs in the greater Atlanta-area that was sponsored by the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation. CCI also provided deal sourcing, underwriting, mentorship, and programmatic support.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation was founded in 2006 to empower women and girls through education, entrepreneurship, and the arts. The Civic Impact Loan Fund, created in December 2016 by Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. in partnership with the Center for Civic Innovation, is an innovative investment tool that provides flexible, zero-interest loans to entrepreneurs who have early-stage businesses that are making a difference in their local communities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;These women represent the greatest assets of our economy\u0026mdash;our civic problem solvers,\u0026rdquo; said Rohit Malhotra, founder and executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation. \u0026ldquo;Each of their businesses exists to solve a specific systemic challenge, and their success will create ripple effects for generations. Civic Entrepreneurship is in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s DNA. We\u0026rsquo;re just shining a light on the people who are on the ground, doing the work.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 recipients are:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalika Whitley | ChopArt\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eworks to extend dignity, community, and opportunity to youth experiencing homelessness through multidisciplinary arts immersion and mentorship. This investment will allow ChopArt to formalize its service offerings and increase their internal capacity, which will allow them to expand their client base to shelters across the region and country.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeth Malone | Dashboard US\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;specializes in artist-led projects that use human-centered design to re-imagine the way we all experience our environments, improve livability, and preserve culture in our communities. Dashboard works in neighborhoods and communities with high amounts of distressed property and their projects bring these buildings and spaces to life.\u0026nbsp; The organization aims to create 100 new part-time jobs for community members and 10 permanent jobs every year over the next three years.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRutu Chaudhari | The Dharma Project\u003c/strong\u003e provides mindfulness and yoga classes to those working in professions that face high levels of trauma and stress, such as police officers, first responders, and teachers. The loan will allow them to increase revenue and expand services into more schools, police precincts, and communities in Atlanta.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSusanna Spiccia |\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ere\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eimagine\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;/ATL\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;works to empower the next generation of storytellers through film and digital media production by training students and connecting them directly to professionals in the industry. The business plans to use the funding to grow and scale their programs to reach more students and expand into new cities across the United States.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow in its second year of operation, the Civic Impact Loan Fund has provided funding to a diverse group of early-stage businesses in a diverse set of impact areas, including community development, the arts, wellness, and education. Last year, Civic Impact Loan Fund loans were awarded to 2016 Civic Innovation Fellows honorCode and Marddy\u0026rsquo;s and 2017 Food Innovation Fellow (in partnership with Food Well Alliance) Gilliam\u0026rsquo;s Community Garden. The success of the first class in creating strong community impact demonstrated proof of concept for the fund.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":209,"title":"The Willoughby Opens Doors to Atlanta Agencies Dragon Army and Dagger","promo_title":"The Willoughby Opens Doors to Atlanta Agencies Dragon Army and Dagger","published_date":"2018-08-03","featured_image":{"id":687,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"dragon_army.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":829884,"resource_updated_at":"2018-08-03T11:13:14.305-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-08-03T11:13:14.368-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-08T16:09:19.730-04:00","filename_hash":"dragon_army_lpkjrDP.png","width":1000,"height":517},"filename":"the-willoughby-opensdoors-dragon-army-and-dagger","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"CghV0Q","created_at":"2018-08-03T11:16:25.721-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-08T16:09:19.685-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Two thriving Atlanta agencies\u0026mdash;Dragon Army and Dagger\u0026mdash;have officially moved into their new office space at The Willoughby in Old Fourth Ward.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTwo thriving Atlanta agencies\u0026mdash;Dragon Army and Dagger\u0026mdash;have officially moved into their new office space at The Willoughby in Old Fourth Ward. Invest Atlanta was invited on a quick tour of the new building\u0026nbsp;with our economic development partners from the State of Georgia and the Metro Atlanta Chamber.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta assisted the companies with their launch strategy, helped them get more involved with Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s startup community, and pointed them towards the critical business resources in Atlanta that will be crucial as they manage important client relationships.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.dragonarmy.com/\"\u003eDragon Army\u003c/a\u003e focuses on web, mobile, and innovation, and its client roster includes\u0026nbsp;Coca-Cola, HoneyBaked Ham, Turner and United Way, to name a few. Many of the company\u0026#39;s nearly 50 employees are graduates of local colleges and universities. (And FYI, they\u0026#39;re currently\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://dragonarmy.com/jobs/\"\u003ehiring\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;as they plan to create 200+ jobs in Atlanta!)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re focused on innovation and emerging technologies, so mobile, AR, VR, AI, chat/voice and wearables are all key areas where we play,\u0026rdquo; said Director of Corporate Communications Jessica Carruth.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe company has moved multiple times in a short period, from the Atlanta Tech Village to a Midtown office to a floor they rented from Georgia State University. Now they plan to quickly grow into their new space in the\u0026nbsp;Willoughby building.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;For those folks who have been here since the start, which is about 5 years ago, we\u0026rsquo;ve never fully settled in a place that felt truly ours,\u0026rdquo; said Jenn Leahy, SVP of Business Development and Client Partnerships at Dragon Army. Leahy added that after an extensive search for the right new home, they\u0026#39;d finally \u0026ldquo;hit it all\u0026rdquo; with The Willoughby.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTheir agency neighbor at the new development, the content strategy agency \u003ca href=\"http://dagger.agency/\"\u003eDagger\u003c/a\u003e, concentrates on content creation, video production, and in-depth analytics research. They have 40+ employees and serve a diverse roster of clients that includes NCR, AFLAC, and Sweetwater Brewery. Both Dragon Army and Dagger have worked with IHG, and the American Cancer Society.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Willoughby is located within walking distance of the Atlanta BeltLine. The brand-new development offers \u003ca href=\"https://atlanta.curbed.com/atlanta-development/2018/7/19/17590706/beltline-first-office-building-the-willoughby-dagger\"\u003e60,000 square feet of space\u003c/a\u003e, a caf\u0026eacute;, and a communal rooftop that looks out over the Downtown and Midtown Atlanta skylines. Though the development is new, the designers made sure to use reclaimed materials throughout, including recycled lighting fixtures.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second floor is currently vacant, with Dragon Army and Dagger planning to move into the available space once they expand. However, they\u0026rsquo;re currently putting it to good use by leasing the space to \u003ca href=\"https://48in48.org/atlanta/\"\u003e48in48\u003c/a\u003e, a nonprofit that builds 48 websites for 48 nonprofits during a 48-hour hackathon style event. Over the course of 48 hours, volunteers build fully functioning sites for nonprofits that bring to life the mission of each organization.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The best part is the big reveal when all the nonprofits come in, and we say, \u0026lsquo;Here\u0026rsquo;s your new website!\u0026rsquo;\u0026rdquo; said Carruth. \u0026ldquo;People go crazy. It\u0026rsquo;s very rewarding.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStay tuned for information about their upcoming launch event in late August!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Old Fourth Ward\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":208,"title":"City of Atlanta Selected for City Accelerator Program","promo_title":"City of Atlanta Selected for City Accelerator Program","published_date":"2018-08-01","featured_image":{"id":684,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"pittsburgh_yards_video_rendering_4.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":806651,"resource_updated_at":"2018-08-01T15:22:49.244-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-08-01T15:22:49.287-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-01T15:24:56.868-04:00","filename_hash":"pittsburgh_yards_video_rendering_4_mp4DNP4.png","width":1000,"height":475},"filename":"city-of-atlanta-selected-for-city-accelerator-program","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"ONcszg","created_at":"2018-08-01T09:37:54.679-04:00","updated_at":"2018-08-01T15:24:25.629-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the City of Atlanta will join the City Accelerator program, an initiative of the Citi Foundation and Living Cities, to foster innovation and promote collaboration between urban leaders to address pressing issues cities face today.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the City of Atlanta will join the City Accelerator program, an initiative of the Citi Foundation and Living Cities, to foster innovation and promote collaboration between urban leaders to address pressing issues cities face today. Atlanta will join four other cities in this latest City Accelerator cohort \u0026ndash; El Paso, Long Beach, Newark and Rochester \u0026ndash; who will work together over the next year to pursue a range of projects that support the growth of local minority-owned businesses and the creation of additional jobs in each community.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;Creating innovative ways to build opportunity and equity through job growth, business incubation and workforce training is a priority for our Administration and our city,\u0026quot; said Mayor Bottoms. \u0026quot;Our vision for One Atlanta includes a city where neighborhoods, communities and businesses thrive. We look forward to working with the Citi Foundation and Living Cities through the City Accelerator to realize that goal.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe City Accelerator program includes a $100,000 grant to each cohort city to support local business and job growth. The City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s initiative will fund a program providing access to affordable real estate and technical assistance to economically underserved businesses in Southwest Atlanta. The initiative will be launched at Pittsburgh Yards\u0026trade;, a 30-acre, mixed-use site under development in Southwest Atlanta. Invest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economic development authority, will lead the project in partnership with One Atlanta: The Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of Innovation and Performance and local community Partner, The Annie E. Casey Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The Annie E. Casey Foundation\u0026rsquo;s focus in redeveloping Pittsburgh Yards has always been on providing more equitable opportunities for residents in Southwest Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Kweku Forstall, Director of the Foundation\u0026rsquo;s Atlanta Civic Site. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re excited that this funding has been secured and hopeful that it will seed meaningful activity for entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Annie E. Casey Foundation serves as the primary developer of Pittsburgh Yards as well as an impact investor in social service, workforce development, and financial programs for the Pittsburgh community. Through this strategic partnership, they will provide additional visionary support to redevelop Pittsburgh Yards into a commercial, industrial, and retail site on the Atlanta Beltline. Additionally, several commercial spaces at Pittsburgh Yards will be reserved for purchase by small business owners who are selected to participate in the program.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;To achieve and sustain equitable growth, we need to ensure that businesses across the city have access to the resources and assistance they need to compete in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s growing economy,\u0026rdquo; continued Mayor Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;The real estate development program at Pittsburgh Yards will be a catalytic project to spur economic activity in Southwest Atlanta communities by creating new opportunities for area business owners and emerging enterprises.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe program will help address four major challenges experienced by minority-owned businesses: limited access to capital based on traditional underwriting criteria, debt service payment capabilities, difficulty purchasing commercial space, and preparing for business growth. In addition to providing access to affordable commercial space at Pittsburgh Yards, the project team will offer technical assistance to help sole proprietorships increase business value by expanding hiring opportunities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll five cities selected for this Accelerator program are considered majority-minority communities based on socio-economic makeup, where more than 50 percent of a city\u0026rsquo;s population represents social, ethnic and/or racial minorities. This classification is primary for urban centers to address the barriers minority-owned businesses face, including access to capital, connections to industries, and navigating regulations.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;Cities can have a disproportionately positive impact on local entrepreneurial ecosystems and the creation of good jobs\u0026rdquo;, said Living Cities President and CEO Ben Hecht. \u0026ldquo;The cities in this latest initiative will be showing how they can harness all of their assets to support and grow businesses owned by the nation\u0026rsquo;s fastest-growing populations\u0026mdash;people of color\u0026mdash;and help to close racial gaps in wealth and income in their own backyards.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to a $100,000 grant, each city will receive a combination of coaching, technical assistance and implementation resources in the coming year. Technical assistance for the effort will be provided by Rodrick Miller, President and CEO of Ascendant Global, an economic development consulting firm. Miller has previously served as the President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and the New Orleans Business Alliance.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn more about the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s project, visit the City Accelerator website \u003ca href=\"http://www.governing.com/cityaccelerator/videos/Atlanta-Making-Commercial-Real-Estate-Affordable-for-Minority-Owned-Businesses.html\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e, and follow #CityAccelerator on Twitter.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Southside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":201,"title":"Civic-Based Workspace Constellations a Great Asset for Sweet Auburn","promo_title":"Civic-Based Workspace Constellations a Great Asset for Sweet Auburn","published_date":"2018-06-19","featured_image":{"id":663,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"constellations_v1.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1139940,"resource_updated_at":"2018-06-19T13:45:08.633-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-06-19T13:45:08.696-04:00","updated_at":"2018-06-26T09:39:53.995-04:00","filename_hash":"constellations_v1_DNvkbjQ.png","width":1200,"height":686},"filename":"civic-based-workspace-constellations-a-great-asset-for-sweet-auburn","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"WVfxvA","created_at":"2018-06-19T13:45:19.336-04:00","updated_at":"2018-06-25T13:40:02.136-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n \u003ca href=\"https://www.constellations.community/\"\u003eConstellations\u003c/a\u003e, a collaborative working space focused on community building in Sweet Auburn, is thriving thanks in part to funding the project received through\u0026nbsp;the Eastside Tax Allocation District (TAD).\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.constellations.community/\"\u003eConstellations\u003c/a\u003e, a collaborative working space focused on community building in Sweet Auburn, is thriving\u0026nbsp;thanks in part to funding the project received through\u0026nbsp;the Eastside Tax Allocation District (TAD).\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLocated on Auburn Avenue in the Sweet Auburn Historic District near Downtown, the building was originally designed by the famous Atlanta architect Neel Reid as a school book repository.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGene Kansas renovated this historically significant building into a culturally-inspiring workspace that helps to celebrate the Sweet Auburn neighborhood\u0026rsquo;s long-time role as a center for African-American-owned businesses.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;As our name suggests, Constellations is a place where stars come together and shine,\u0026rdquo; said Kansas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome of these \u0026ldquo;stars\u0026rdquo; include \u003ca href=\"https://mygivingpoint.org/\"\u003eGiving Point\u003c/a\u003e, a social enterprise focused on education through service, local artist \u003ca href=\"http://www.fahamupecouart.com/\"\u003eFahamu Pecou\u003c/a\u003e, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and \u003ca href=\"https://savingplaces.org/places/atlanta-field-office#.Wyk_8adKiUk\"\u003eThe National Trust for Historic Preservation\u003c/a\u003e. All tenants agree to a minimum one a one-year lease to allow them to\u0026nbsp;establish deeper roots in the community.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta supported the project with a $200,000 Eastside TAD Resurgens Grant.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s contribution through the Resurgens Grant allowed us to provide 25% of our space for free to community-oriented non-profits and individuals,\u0026rdquo; said Kansas.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe workspace is approximately 9,500 square feet and features offices, studies, the North Star Library, dedicated desks, a board-quality conference room, the Milky Way Coffee Bar, communal areas, team rooms, and a podcast studio.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Eastside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":199,"title":"In the Spotlight: Bright Screen Studio Set to Open in West Midtown","promo_title":"In the Spotlight: Bright Screen Studio Set to Open in West Midtown","published_date":"2018-06-11","featured_image":{"id":658,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"brightscreen_insight_3.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1586688,"resource_updated_at":"2018-06-11T16:51:18.637-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-06-11T16:51:18.717-04:00","updated_at":"2018-06-25T13:45:08.009-04:00","filename_hash":"brightscreen_insight_3_BxleJj7.png","width":1200,"height":852},"filename":"in-the-spotlight-bright-screen-studio-set-to-open-in-west-midtown","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"qw0z8Q","created_at":"2018-06-11T16:53:00.231-04:00","updated_at":"2018-06-25T13:45:07.970-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Fulfilling her dreams of running a small film studio, Grishma Batra will soon open \u003ca href=\"https://www.brightscreenstudio.com/\"\u003eBright Screen Studio\u003c/a\u003e in West Midtown after receiving site selection assistance from Invest Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFulfilling her dreams of running a small film studio, Grishma Batra will soon open \u003ca href=\"https://www.brightscreenstudio.com/\"\u003eBright Screen Studio\u003c/a\u003e in West Midtown\u0026nbsp;after receiving site selection assistance from Invest Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith construction nearly complete, the studio will soon offer rental space for doing smaller-scale shoots. Their target customer will be production companies making music videos, commercials, PSAs, or video interviews, as well as photographers. The grand opening will take place on Thursday, June 28.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe found the space on North Avenue with the help of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Economic Development team. After weighing her budget options and deciding to rent rather than purchase, Batra began scouting locations with a focus on the West Midtown area.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I was just really struggling with finding a perfect location that would be in my budget,\u0026rdquo; she said. That\u0026rsquo;s when she reached out to IA\u0026rsquo;s Kent Spencer and Cesar Vence, whom she described as being \u0026ldquo;amazing\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;really helpful.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I told them my budget, and then beam heights because a short ceiling height would not have worked for me,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;They narrowed it down and sent me a list of buildings for lease.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe chose one of the locations on the list Invest Atlanta provided\u0026mdash;a building owned by equipment rental company Keslow Camera.\u0026nbsp; The two companies will work in partnership to provide those who shoot there with the cameras and studio space they need.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.brightscreenstudio.com/\"\u003eBright Screen Studio\u003c/a\u003e has much to offer customers. For one, they have a Cyclorama, or \u0026ldquo;Cyc,\u0026rdquo; a feature that\u0026rsquo;s important for productions that don\u0026rsquo;t want to build large sets, instead adding backgrounds and other visual elements as part of the post-production editing process. The Cyc is 90-feet wide, 18-feet high, and shaped like a \u0026ldquo;U.\u0026rdquo; The unique U-shape allows for panoramic shots to be taken from multiple angles.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Nobody in Atlanta has that actually,\u0026rdquo; said Batra. \u0026ldquo;There are a lot of Cycloramas, but they\u0026rsquo;re all L-shaped with one corner. What we have is a U shape, so you get two corners.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBright Screen also offers high-quality lighting options: Kino Flo Image 80s that can light the entire Cyc wall.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It helps when a smaller production company\u0026rsquo;s coming,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;They don\u0026rsquo;t have to worry about bringing their lighting equipment because they can use the pre-lighting options that I have already.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBatra wants to encourage other women who want to pursue their passion and launch an entrepreneurial venture in the City of Atlanta.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026#39;s important that I kind of give back to the community, especially to women in the film industry or in production,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;I would say to them, do your research and obviously follow your passion, but also make connections with people that are really going to help you, not just in your business, but take you further in life.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Northwest\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":190,"title":"FinTech Leader InComm Creating 100 Jobs in Atlanta","promo_title":"FinTech Leader InComm Creating 100 Jobs in Atlanta","published_date":"2018-05-16","featured_image":{"id":627,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"incomm_ia.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":376223,"resource_updated_at":"2018-05-03T13:42:53.830-04:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":2,"created_at":"2018-05-03T13:42:53.944-04:00","updated_at":"2018-07-17T16:02:18.493-04:00","filename_hash":"incomm_ia_bzwWElE.jpg","width":3576,"height":2632},"filename":"fintech-leader-incomm-creating-100-jobs-in-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"7UD2pg","created_at":"2018-05-03T13:48:41.815-04:00","updated_at":"2018-05-21T14:18:03.189-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n InComm, a leading prepaid product and payment technology company based in Atlanta, will create more than 100 jobs and invest over $20 million in capital developments in Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInComm, a leading prepaid product and payment technology company based in Atlanta, will create more than 100 jobs and invest over $20 million in capital developments in Atlanta. Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention and Expansion team worked with our city and state partners on this project.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am pleased that InComm has chosen to continue its growth in Atlanta, bringing more than 100 new, well-paying jobs and an additional capital investment to the downtown area,\u0026rdquo; said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;In the last year, several major companies have announced expansions in the city, including Accenture and the Boston Consulting Group. Their commitments are helping increase economic opportunity throughout Atlanta. I look forward to working alongside InComm\u0026rsquo;s executive leadership as they grow their business in our city.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInComm provides connectivity to a variety of service providers that allow consumers to conduct everyday business at more than 500,000 points of retail distribution. The company enables consumers to activate prepaid products, pay bills online, purchase digital goods in stores or add funds to an online account.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis expansion follows the close of InComm\u0026rsquo;s deal to acquire distribution rights of American Express\u0026rsquo;s\u0026reg; prepaid reloadable and gift card products in the U.S., as well as the purchase of the Serve\u0026reg; technology platform. InComm has become the program manager and processor, and American Express will remain the issuer and network for all products involved in the transaction.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The addition of the American Express suite of products strengthens the already extensive portfolio of prepaid cards and technologies that we provide to retailers and consumers,\u0026rdquo; said Brooks Smith, CEO of InComm. \u0026ldquo;In addition to bringing new distribution partners into our network, we look forward to welcoming 400 employees to our workforce nationally, more than 150 of whom will work in several of our Georgia offices. Some are transitioning from American Express and others are being hired by InComm as a result of the new business. Their knowledge will be invaluable as we integrate these products into our portfolio over the coming months.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMetro Atlanta has become known as Transaction Alley because of the number of FinTech companies located in the region. In fact, 70% of all U.S. financial transactions pass through the state of Georgia.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":176,"title":"Mayor Bottoms and Anthem Break Ground on New Technology Center ","promo_title":"Mayor Bottoms and Anthem Break Ground on New Technology Center ","published_date":"2018-03-02","featured_image":{"id":558,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"anthem_groundbreaking_v3.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1872206,"resource_updated_at":"2018-03-02T10:22:33.661-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-03-02T10:22:33.717-05:00","updated_at":"2018-03-02T10:26:51.001-05:00","filename_hash":"anthem_groundbreaking_v3_QggM4Vw.png","width":1193,"height":797},"filename":"mayor-bottoms-and-anthem-break-ground-on-new-technology-center","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"UezCow","created_at":"2018-03-02T10:23:41.975-05:00","updated_at":"2018-03-02T10:26:50.987-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n In February, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms joined other dignitaries at a groundbreaking ceremony for Anthem\u0026rsquo;s new technology center in Midtown Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Tech Square.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn February, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms joined other dignitaries at a groundbreaking ceremony for Anthem\u0026rsquo;s new technology center in Midtown Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Tech Square.\u0026nbsp; When opened in 2020, the 352,000 square-foot state-of-the-art structure will house approximately 3,000 multi-disciplinary IT professionals dedicated to simplifying the health care experience for consumers and care providers, improving quality of care, and lowering health care costs.\u0026nbsp; Anthem, Inc. is one of the nation\u0026rsquo;s leading health benefits companies.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Midtown Atlanta is one of the most dynamic technology and innovation centers in the United States and we are excited to add Anthem\u0026rsquo;s new expansion to our growing healthcare IT ecosystem,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;Anthem\u0026rsquo;s decision to build its new Technology Center here underscores its workers\u0026rsquo; desire for the mobility options and the diverse, accessible lifestyle offered in one of America\u0026rsquo;s best urban neighborhoods.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta played a key role in ensuring this project moved forward. In October 2017, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors approved an $850,000 Economic Opportunity Fund grant to Anthem. The Board also approved the issuance of lease-purchase bonds to support the construction of the new building at the corner of 4th and West Peachtree streets in Tech Square.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnthem chose to locate in Tech Square because it has become known globally as an innovation hotbed and includes research facilities, incubators, technology start-ups, the Georgia Institute of Technology campus, and the neighboring mixed-use Coda building currently under construction. In addition, the state of Georgia is hotbed for Health IT companies, with more than 200 companies employing approximately 30,000 people.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta is rich with technology talent, and we are excited to take this next step in creating a hub for our IT organization here with a contemporary and inspiring space for current and future Anthem IT professionals,\u0026rdquo; said Tom Miller, Anthem senior vice president of innovation and chief information officer. \u0026ldquo;Located in the technology epicenter of Atlanta, the collaborative environment will enable Anthem\u0026rsquo;s IT team to more quickly turn health care ideas into real-time solutions and develop innovative tools and resources that will make it easier and more convenient for consumers to manage their health and wellbeing.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe architectural firm, John Portman \u0026amp; Associates, designed the building and provided Anthem the opportunity to create spaces that support its progressive and collaborative work style. More than 14,000 square-feet of terrace area will allow for an inviting green space, bringing the outside in, to support health and wellness. As part of the LEED- and Fitwel-certified design, Anthem placed an emphasis on energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and design that encourages an active work environment through indoor and outdoor spaces.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Portman is delighted to partner with Anthem to create another significant development in Midtown Atlanta. The Anthem Technology Center will complement Coda and further cement Midtown as the focal destination for businesses that are focused on collaboration, recruitment, and positioning,\u0026rdquo; said Ambrish Baisiwala, chief executive officer of Portman Holdings.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":172,"title":"Atlanta Tech Start-Up Volantio Secures $2.6 Million in Financing","promo_title":"Atlanta Tech Start-Up Volantio Secures $2.6 Million in Financing","published_date":"2018-02-12","featured_image":{"id":539,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"volantio_hype_new.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":185968,"resource_updated_at":"2018-02-20T11:42:22.554-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-02-20T11:42:22.593-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-22T08:53:45.408-05:00","filename_hash":"volantio_hype_new_eXX2b2e.jpg","width":800,"height":600},"filename":"atlanta-tech-start-up-volantio-secures-26-million-in-financing","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"kJVHwQ","created_at":"2018-02-20T11:42:34.588-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-22T08:53:45.393-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Volantio, a global leader in post-booking revenue and capacity optimization software for airlines, announced a $2.6M Series B funding round.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2018","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eVolantio, a global leader in post-booking revenue and capacity optimization software for airlines, announced a $2.6M Series B funding round led by Ingleside Investors and strategic investors International Airlines Group (IAG), JetBlue Technology Ventures, and Qantas Ventures.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are extremely proud that the investment arms of three key global aviation leaders, spanning three distinct geographies, have chosen to back Volantio and its market leading technology\u0026rdquo; said Azim Barodawala, Volantio\u0026rsquo;s CEO.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe offices of Volantio can be found at Flatiron City in Downtown Atlanta, thanks in part to assistance from Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s business attraction team. The company was also a participant in the \u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/impact-insights/companies-announced-for-2017-atlanta-international-startup-exchange\"\u003e2017 Atlanta International Startup Exchange\u003c/a\u003e, which allowed them to travel to Toulouse, France and connect with prospective customers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYanaTM, Volantio\u0026rsquo;s flagship web-based platform, leverages machine learning algorithms to drive higher unit revenues and improved capacity utilization after customers have booked their flights, while also improving overall customer experience. Airlines use the technology to proactively identify flexible passengers on high demand flights, make them offers to move to lower demand flights, and automatically rebook them once they accept. Passengers are notified, via mobile, days in advance of departure, minimizing last-minute hassle and providing enough time to change plans accordingly. Offers can include upgrades, travel vouchers, and frequent flier points.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;Our platform provides a rare triple-win,\u0026rdquo; said Barodawala. \u0026ldquo;Flexible passengers receive a benefit for changing their travel plans, last-minute travelers are able to access flights that otherwise would have been full, and airlines can better maximize network capacity and unit revenue, while putting greater predictability and control back in the hands of their customers.\u0026quot;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Downtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":168,"title":"NCR Officially Opens New Global Headquarters in Midtown","promo_title":"NCR Officially Opens New Global Headquarters in Midtown","published_date":"2018-01-08","featured_image":{"id":514,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"ncr_hq_main-1024x539.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":142649,"resource_updated_at":"2018-02-06T15:04:12.350-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-02-06T15:04:12.379-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T15:04:20.340-05:00","filename_hash":"ncr_hq_main-1024x539_DN1jRqQ.jpg","width":1024,"height":539},"filename":"ncr-officially-opens-new-global-headquarters-in-midtown","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"dDbASA","created_at":"2018-02-04T14:01:59.308-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T15:04:20.332-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n NCR Corporation opened its new global headquarters campus in Midtown Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNCR Corporation opened its new global headquarters campus in Midtown Atlanta. The two-tower campus will provide the space needed to prepare for future growth and create innovations that will help power the digitally-connected economy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn total, NCR\u0026rsquo;s new headquarters will be home to approximately 5,000 skilled professionals. The state-of-the-art campus will be roughly 750,000 square feet of space, comprised of two office towers situated at the corner of 8th and Spring Streets in the heart of burgeoning Midtown Atlanta. Employees will begin moving into the first tower today, with the second tower opening later this year.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am pleased that NCR has chosen the City of Atlanta for its new headquarters, and this major capital investment that will bring over 5,000 skilled jobs to Midtown,\u0026rdquo; said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. \u0026ldquo;Atlanta is a global technology center that offers companies access to top talent, renowned research institutions and advanced technology infrastructure. I look forward to working with Mr. Nuti and everyone at NCR as we continue to strengthen Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s role as a premier global tech and innovation hub. The opening of NCR\u0026rsquo;s new corporate campus represents another major step towards that goal.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction of the first tower began in November 2015. In September 2016, NCR announced it would expand the campus and build a second tower. NCR partnered with Invest Atlanta and the Georgia Department of Economic Development on development of the campus to create $450 million of public and private investment in Midtown Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This Campus symbolizes the power of reinvention. It celebrates the innovators, dreamers, and problem-solvers who walk through our doors every day and have the courage to build a better tomorrow,\u0026rdquo; said NCR Chairman and CEO Bill Nuti. \u0026ldquo;Our move to Midtown is part of our vision for transforming Atlanta into the Silicon Valley of the East.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe global headquarters will enable optimal collaboration and teamwork; feature the technology and tools to support the changing nature of how, when and where work is done; and excite and inspire employees and customers. The campus will feature such amenities as dining options and outdoor seating, coffee bar, gym, informal spaces that spark creativity, and a large lecture space. It will become the permanent home for the NCR Innovation Lab and continue the already robust partnership between NCR and Georgia Tech, as the organizations are now located side-by-side in the center of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Technology Square.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":169,"title":"BRE Team Supports CapTech’s Expansion at Bank of America Plaza","promo_title":"BRE Team Supports CapTech’s Expansion at Bank of America Plaza","published_date":"2018-01-03","featured_image":{"id":515,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"captech_main-1024x610.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":92957,"resource_updated_at":"2018-02-06T15:04:51.813-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2018-02-06T15:04:51.841-05:00","updated_at":"2018-05-07T16:09:32.942-04:00","filename_hash":"captech_main-1024x610_ymQpOeO.jpg","width":1024,"height":610},"filename":"bre-team-supports-captechs-expansion-at-bank-of-america-plaza","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"ws9Nrw","created_at":"2018-02-04T14:04:35.766-05:00","updated_at":"2018-05-07T16:09:32.908-04:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The company recently moved to Bank of America Plaza, and plans to add 50 new positions this year.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) team met with executives from CapTech, a management and IT consulting firm growing its presence in Atlanta.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe company recently moved to Bank of America Plaza, and plans to add 50 new positions this year. CapTech is a national firm based in Richmond, Virginia, but opened an Atlanta office\u0026nbsp;to gain access to the city\u0026rsquo;s high concentration of Fortune 500 companies and talented workforce.\u0026nbsp; CapTech chose Bank of America Plaza specifically for it\u0026rsquo;s location near Georgia Tech and a MARTA rail station.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026ldquo;The tech market in Atlanta is just booming and CapTech\u0026rsquo;s business in Atlanta is growing faster and more robustly than expected,\u0026rdquo; a CapTech spokeswoman\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2017/11/10/atlanta-pitching-the-gulch-as-no-1-site-for-amazon.html\"\u003esaid recently\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCapTech has been already become active in the surrounding communities. Since opening their Atlanta office, the company has participated in Coca-Cola\u0026rsquo;s Year Up program, worked with Usher\u0026rsquo;s New Look, and supported the Covenant House.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nThe BRE team recently met with company representatives to discuss incentives, including the Opportunity Zone Tax Credit, which offers a maximum annual tax credit of $3,500 per new job for five years. They also discussed how to meet their workforce development needs and made\u0026nbsp;introduced the company to other regional organizations.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":19,"title":"The iVillage @ MLK Shipping Container Village Officially Announced","promo_title":"The iVillage @ MLK Shipping Container Village Officially Announced","published_date":"2017-12-19","featured_image":{"id":226,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"ivillage_top.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":960803,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:45:07.880-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:45:08.396-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T12:42:40.454-05:00","filename_hash":"ivillage_top_DNxem41.jpg","width":5155,"height":3147},"filename":"the-ivillage-mlk-shipping-container-village-officially-announced","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"kaIk_A","created_at":"2017-12-20T14:47:06.001-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T12:42:40.422-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Kasim Reed, Invest Atlanta and MARTA announced The iVillage @ MLK, a transit-oriented development made of repurposed shipping containers.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Kasim Reed, Invest Atlanta and MARTA officially announced The iVillage @ MLK, a transit-oriented development made out of repurposed shipping containers, at H.E. Holmes MARTA Station.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This shipping-container iVillage is not only the first of its kind in the State of Georgia, it\u0026rsquo;s another example of how the City of Atlanta supports innovation and entrepreneurship,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Reed. \u0026ldquo;This concept is being featured in leading cities such as London, Copenhagen and San Francisco. With the new iVillage at the H.E. Holmes MARTA station, we are leveraging a smart, sustainable idea to expand our commitment to creating new hubs of innovation all over the City. I am pleased that this new iVillage will be one component of improvements and investments to improve mobility and access to economic opportunity along the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive corridor.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce construction on the project is complete, the iVillage @ MLK will provide affordable, transit-accessible retail and office space for small businesses. A total of 14 shipping containers will be used to create around 6,500 square feet of commercial space. The development will also include sizable lawn and deck areas to host public events.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m looking forward to the day when local entrepreneurs are here every day, bringing their new ideas and energy to this area,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;One day, we hope to see many of the businesses launched take root up and down the MLK Corridor and look forward to working with the community to make The iVillage @ MLK a place of pride and purpose.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe iVillage @ MLK will provide the opportunity for reimagining the possibilities of a public space, putting it to new and attractive use for local businesses and residents. MARTA will examine future opportunities for transit-oriented development at H.E. Holmes Station to ensure more people can live affordably near our job centers and transit nodes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThough this is the first project of its kind in Georgia, container villages have been launched around the world. Cities like Las Vegas, London, Copenhagen, and San Francisco have developed container villages to create new affordable retail or living space. Innovative developments like these around the world have been successful in not only economic growth, but also creating a greater sense of place within communities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe iVillage @ MLK is part of the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s larger effort continue to transform Westside communities, especially along the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Corridor. The iVillage is more than just development of office and retail space, it\u0026rsquo;s part of a larger strategy to bring economic investment to key commercial corridors throughout the city like MLK Drive.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLast year, the City of Atlanta was awarded a $10 million TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help improve MLK Drive. That grant is part of a $22.7 million effort to improve mobility and increase access to transit, employment centers and services along MLK.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eApplications will be made available soon for entrepreneurs interested in leasing space at The iVillage @ MLK.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n MLK Corridor\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":22,"title":"IA Leads Southwest BeltLine Existing Business Resource Event","promo_title":"IA Leads Southwest BeltLine Existing Business Resource Event","published_date":"2017-12-11","featured_image":{"id":228,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"sw_beltline_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":675919,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:53:16.533-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:53:16.995-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:12:23.021-05:00","filename_hash":"sw_beltline_feature_DNxemvv.jpg","width":5119,"height":3840},"filename":"ia-leads-southwest-beltline-existing-business-resource-event","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"w4vj7g","created_at":"2017-12-20T15:02:05.821-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T15:12:22.466-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta led the Southwest Atlanta BeltLIne Existing Resource Event to present the resources and programs available to small businesses.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta recently led the Southwest Atlanta BeltLIne Existing Resource Event to present the many resources and programs available to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe event, the first in a series planned for other locations along the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://beltline.org/\"\u003eAtlanta BeltLine\u003c/a\u003e, took place on November 30.\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.dcafeatl.com/\"\u003eD Caf\u0026eacute; \u0026amp; Catering\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;in Westview hosted and provided breakfast to presenters and participants.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKiyomi Rollins, owner of\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegoodhairshop.com/\"\u003eThe Good Hair Shop\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;and a recipient of a small business loan through Invest Atlanta, urged attendees to seek out the resources they need to sustain and grow their business.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Call them up, apply,\u0026rdquo; she said. \u0026ldquo;They are giving you the path to success, the path to sustainability. Everyone at Invest Atlanta has been very supportive with the tools we need to retain businesses.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, Ms. Rollins took over Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Twitter feed to update those who couldn\u0026rsquo;t attend about the resources available to existing small businesses along the Atlanta BeltLine.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral members from the Invest Atlanta team also spoke at the event. Erika Smith covered IA\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention and Expansion programs, while Lonnie Saboor detailed our available\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/business/small-business-loan-programs/\"\u003esmall business loan programs\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eJerald Mitchell from Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., Jim Skinner from the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://atlantaregional.org/\"\u003eAtlanta Regional Commission (ARC)\u003c/a\u003e, and Terry Collier from the MLK, Jr. Dr. Merchants Association also presented, as did representatives from\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.villagemicrofund.com/\"\u003eThe Village Micro Fund\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://aceloans.org/\"\u003eAccess to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ga/atlanta\"\u003eSBA\u003c/a\u003e,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.georgiasbdc.org/atlanta-office/\"\u003eSBDC\u003c/a\u003e, and\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.wellsfargo.com/\"\u003eWells Fargo\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to all the presenters and attendees\u0026mdash;including members of the Atlanta City Council\u0026mdash;for coming out, and a special thanks to Ms. D for hosting and catering the event.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":2,"title":"IA Hosts Second Annual Small Business Excellence Awards","promo_title":"IA Hosts Second Annual Small Business Excellence Awards","published_date":"2017-11-01","featured_image":{"id":42,"parent_id":5,"resource_file_name":"sbal_awardees.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":233239,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-18T17:07:38.221-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-18T17:07:38.286-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T13:18:06.015-05:00","filename_hash":"sbal_awardees_gvVg9W3.jpg","width":800,"height":535},"filename":"ia-hosts-second-annual-small-business-excellence-awards","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"h9CJ3A","created_at":"2017-12-20T11:03:11.518-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-06T13:18:06.001-05:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/245262848","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta hosted the second annual Excellence in Small Business Awards to honor Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s outstanding small businesses.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta hosted the second annual Excellence in Small Business Awards at The Gathering Spot on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 to honor Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s outstanding small businesses. Eight Atlanta businesses were recognized for all they\u0026rsquo;ve done to strengthen our city\u0026rsquo;s small business sector.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Your determination has made Atlanta one of the most vibrant city\u0026rsquo;s for small business,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;Whether it\u0026rsquo;s a tech startup or a brick and mortar business serving the community, entrepreneurs like you throughout Atlanta are changing our city for the better. You\u0026rsquo;re not only selling products and services, you\u0026rsquo;re creating new jobs, and building stronger communities. It\u0026rsquo;s your determination that has made Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small business sector strong and successful.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of the event was \u0026ldquo;Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Spirit,\u0026rdquo; with entrepreneur and Spotify senior manager Amber Grimes delivering a riveting keynote address about the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Don\u0026rsquo;t let anyone, ever, dim your light,\u0026rdquo; she told the audience.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis year, the first Excellence in Small Business Pitch Competition took place during the event, which brought together three emerging entrepreneurs to present how their business would create new economic opportunities. The presenters were Ngozi Chuku from Reel Chemistry, JaQuis McCullough from Numis, and Mbye Nije from Legal Equalizer. Legal Equalizer, an app that provides a crash course in civil and constitutional rights, took home the top prize.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2017 Small Business Excellence Award recipients were:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSpotlight Award: Atlanta Movie Tours, Inc.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eExcellence In Longevity: Like a River Salon and Spa LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFranchise Excellence: This Is It! Seafood \u0026amp; BBQ\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eEntrepreneur Of The Year: Watkins Mortuary Inc.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eManufacturing Excellence: The Good Hair Shop LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eExpansion Excellence: Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group Inc.\u0026rsquo;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCommunity Favorite: The Trophy Room Barbershop LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eStart-Up Excellence: Doux South Specialties LLC\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe event sponsors were: Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc., Wharton Law, Ground Floor, New Realm Brewing Company, New Africa Business Association of Atlanta, and Shay Latte.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSince 2001, Invest Atlanta has invested more than $11.5 million in 187 small businesses in the City of Atlanta, leveraging an additional $32.5 million from the private sector.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":12,"title":"Two BRE Clients Open Office Expansions in the City of Atlanta","promo_title":"BRE Clients Open Office Expansions in the City of Atlanta","published_date":"2017-10-01","featured_image":{"id":217,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"salesloft_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":404870,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:41:58.775-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T13:41:59.220-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:43:04.117-05:00","filename_hash":"salesloft_feature_RJqe8rr.jpg","width":4761,"height":3571},"filename":"two-bre-clients-open-office-expansions-in-the-city-of-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"a6bFUw","created_at":"2017-12-20T13:43:03.672-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T13:43:03.672-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) team saw two clients\u0026mdash;GCI Graphics and Salesloft\u0026mdash;open brand-new office spaces in September.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) team saw two clients\u0026mdash;GCI Graphics and Salesloft\u0026mdash;open their brand-new office spaces in September.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn Thursday, September 28, GCI Graphics cut the ribbon on their new 40,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art production facility in Atlanta Industrial Park. The additional room will provide the 25-year-old company with the ability to add new jobs, take on more grand format printing projects, and serve their clients more efficiently.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The new GCI Graphics facility is truly one of a kind, and we are excited about the opportunity to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at our new space and allow them to experience the breadth of our unique capabilities first-hand,\u0026rdquo; said Greg Pappas, VP Business Development at GCI Graphics.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe following day, on September 29, the BRE team was at another ribbon-cutting ceremony, this time at Salesloft\u0026rsquo;s new 27,000 square-foot office space in Midtown. The company plans to grow from 150 to 500 employees by 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m proud to bring the SalesLoft team to the Regions Plaza and give them a wonderful space to make our customers succeed,\u0026rdquo; said Kyle Porter, CEO of SalesLoft. \u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re growing rapidly with an amazing, selfless culture, and we want our people to have the best possible location to do so.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt both events, company leaders thanked Invest Atlanta, members of the Atlanta City Council, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development for their assistance in ensuring these expansion projects came to fruition.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":16,"title":"Companies Announced for 2017 Atlanta International Startup Exchange","promo_title":"Companies Announced for 2017 Atlanta International Startup Exchange","published_date":"2017-09-13","featured_image":{"id":223,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"startup_feature_final.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1456523,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:33:14.498-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:33:14.661-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:34:32.877-05:00","filename_hash":"startup_feature_final_lpVQowr.png","width":800,"height":600},"filename":"companies-announced-for-2017-atlanta-international-startup-exchange","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"TTT30Q","created_at":"2017-12-20T14:34:32.170-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:34:32.170-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The City of Atlanta announced the ten companies participating in the 2017 Atlanta International Startup Exchange.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe City of Atlanta announced on September 5 that the Mayor\u0026rsquo;s Office of International Affairs and Invest Atlanta, along with international partners including the U.K. Department for International Trade, Sage and Metropole Toulouse, had selected the final ten companies for the 2017 Atlanta International Startup Exchange.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Startup Exchange is a one-week international residency which will provide four Atlanta-based companies a platform for global expansion in either Toulouse, France or the United Kingdom. Two Toulouse-based and four United Kingdom-based companies will travel to Atlanta on this occasion.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The International Startup Exchange provides the selected Atlanta companies a unique opportunity and resources needed to grow their business and ultimately create jobs here in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Kasim Reed. \u0026ldquo;I congratulate the Atlanta-based companies that will participate and share innovative ideas in this year\u0026rsquo;s Exchange. We also look forward to welcoming the French and British companies to Atlanta where they will find a city with a robust and growing startup community.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAtlanta-based companies Qoins, a FinTech startup that encourages savings for millennials, and Babylogger, a software and hardware company that helps catalogue baby activities, will travel to the U.K. the week of November 14, 2017 during Venturefest North East. In addition, Vayando, a social impact travel organization and Volantio, an airline booking tool for improving flight utilization, will visit Toulouse the week of October 1, 2017 during the EmTech Conference.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eToulouse companies Nanomade and Nanolike, which provide IoT solutions applicable to smart cities initiatives, will travel to Atlanta during VentureAtlanta, which will take place October 8-14, 2017. They will be joined by Newcastle-based companies Drone Ops and Recite Me, which respectively provide commercial drone capabilities and web access solutions for the disabled.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, London-based companies Citizen and Immersive labs, two cyber-security companies providing authentication services and skills training, will participate in CyberCon the week of October 1.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAtlanta, Toulouse, and the U.K. have partnered for the exchange based on the strength of existing relationships and shared growing industries. Over the course of the one-week residency in each location, the visiting startups will connect with local startup ecosystems, gain access to international conferences and engage with investors, business leaders and potential clients.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe inaugural Atlanta International Startup Exchange program was launched in October 2016. Atlanta startups Carbice and Partpic traveled to Toulouse while the City of Atlanta hosted Toulouse companies Uwinloc and Donecle. The Atlanta International Startup Exchange program was awarded Sister Cities International\u0026rsquo;s Innovation Award for Economic Development in 2017.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":17,"title":"AEMI Awards Civic Impact Loans to Three Atlanta Social Entrepreneurs","promo_title":"AEMI Awards Civic Impact Loans to Three Atlanta Social Entrepreneurs","published_date":"2017-09-08","featured_image":{"id":224,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"civic_impact_loan_1_share-1024x680.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":111248,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:36:39.672-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:36:39.825-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:37:54.849-05:00","filename_hash":"civic_impact_loan_1_share-1024x680_kbVD1BO.jpg","width":1024,"height":680},"filename":"aemi-awards-civic-impact-loans-to-three-atlanta-social-entrepreneurs","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"EiFTjg","created_at":"2017-12-20T14:37:54.274-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:37:54.274-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI) closed on the first round of Civic Impact Loans going to three Atlanta social entrepreneurs.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.atlantaemergingmarkets.org/\"\u003eAtlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. (AEMI)\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;officially closed on the first round of its new Civic Impact Loans program that will go to three Atlanta social entrepreneurs. The flexible, zero-percent interest rate loans will support honorCode, Marddy\u0026rsquo;s, and Gilliam\u0026rsquo;s Community Garden as they seek to expand their businesses and make a greater impact in the communities they serve.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We established the Civic Impact Loan fund to support local businesses in Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Michael Syphoe, Board Chair of Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc. \u0026ldquo;From enhancing K-12 STEAM education to cultivating urban agriculture to supporting our city\u0026rsquo;s unique culinary culture, these three companies demonstrate how small social enterprises can have a big impact within our communities.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;These first three loan recipients all demonstrate how businesses can focus on the bottom line while also making a difference in our city,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta and a member of the AEMI board. \u0026ldquo;Atlanta is a place where social entrepreneurship can continue to thrive, and we look forward to supporting more social impact investing and talented enterprises in the future.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Center for Civic Innovation assisted the entrepreneurs with the application process, and all three recipients are former CCI fellows or members. The three Civic Impact Loan recipients are:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ehonorCode: A non-profit social enterprise that provides curriculum and training to schools to bring computer science and social emotional learning into the general K12 classroom. honorCode plans to use the loan funding to hire an additional team member to facilitate more trainings for teachers within Atlanta Public Schools. Last year, honorCode won the 2016 Forbes Change the World Entrepreneurship Competition at their Under 30 Summit last year. And their Founder and CEO, Jeffrey Mart\u0026iacute;n, was recently honored on the 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 List and The Wharton School\u0026rsquo;s 40 Under 40 List, where Mart\u0026iacute;n is an alumnus (W\u0026rsquo;13).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGilliam\u0026rsquo;s Community Garden: An outdoor kitchen to teach residents how to prepare healthy food for their families. Their goal is to improve community health in the area around Oakland City neighborhood through urban agriculture. Gilliam\u0026rsquo;s provides residents with access to fresh fruits, vegetables and poultry products.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMarddy\u0026rsquo;s: A shared kitchen space and marketplace for food-based entrepreneurs on the Westside. The owner, Keitra Bates, was recently featured on the NPR series, \u0026ldquo;Kitchen Table Conversations.\u0026rdquo; Her mission is to preserve culinary culture of the Westside by supporting home chefs within the community. Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has already provided support to the business with a loan to purchase the building where the business is located. Funding obtained through the Civic Impact Loan will be used for staffing and marketing purposes.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAEMI is a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Entity created by Invest Atlanta in 2006 that specializes in providing gap financing for projects that create jobs and revitalize Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s distressed neighborhoods. In 2016, the AEMI board of directors approved the allocation of $100,000 to finance a pilot revolving loan fund for social entrepreneurship in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":20,"title":"IA Travels to Hong Kong to Exchange Transit-Oriented Development Insights","promo_title":"IA Travels to Hong Kong to Exchange Transit-Oriented Development Insights","published_date":"2017-08-31","featured_image":{"id":227,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"hong_kong_1.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":764912,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:48:47.982-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T14:48:48.278-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:49:45.106-05:00","filename_hash":"hong_kong_1_E6xeJvV.jpg","width":4032,"height":3024},"filename":"ia-travels-to-hong-kong-to-exchange-transit-oriented-development-insights","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"EEIDPQ","created_at":"2017-12-20T14:49:44.558-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T14:49:44.558-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Erika Davis from Invest Atlanta joined with other City of Atlanta officials for a fact-finding trip focused on transit-oriented development.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eErika Davis, Senior Project Manager of Business Retention and Expansion at Invest Atlanta, recently joined with several other City of Atlanta officials for a fact-finding trip focused on transit-oriented development, or TOD. Along with Davis, the Atlanta contingent included: William Johnson, Commissioner of Public Works; Jalal Slade, Senior Policy Advisor on Real Estate; and Catherine Buell, CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) .\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe group met with a variety of Hong Kong government officials to discuss housing, walkability, and connectivity to transit. With the Bureau of Land, the team learned that Hong Kong leases land to TOD developers, who generally prefer to focus on commercial development first rather than residential. These commercial developments, many of which sit on or near transit stations, offer convenience to city residents.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePublic transit is critically important to Hong Kong, since only 6 percent of residents own a car, and 90 percent of all commutes rely on public transportation. To handle the large ridership in an efficient way, the Atlanta team learned, HK officials have focused on improving pedestrian accessibility to stations in the central business districts. They\u0026rsquo;ve also worked to plan and developing new residential areas along rail transit extensions.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf course, the Atlanta team also shared information about the city\u0026rsquo;s efforts on TOD. Davis presented on several of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s recent efforts on TOD. She spoke about the MLK Innovation Village is being created at Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station using repurposed shipping containers. She also presented about Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s role in supporting TOD at King Memorial MARTA Station. Through a $6 million Eastside TAD grant, IA is ensuring that 20 percent of the 400 residential units being constructed will be affordable.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavis and the others concluded their trip by attending an international TOD and smart city conference, joining other officials from Singapore, China, and Vancouver, Canada.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":40,"title":"Dr. Klementich to CREW Atlanta: Let’s Strenghten Our Commercial Corridors","promo_title":"Dr. Klementich to CREW Atlanta: Let’s Strenghten Our Commercial Corridors","published_date":"2017-07-12","featured_image":{"id":248,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"commercial_corridors_metropolitan_feature_1.png","resource_content_type":"image/png","resource_file_size":1603476,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T09:59:35.930-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T09:59:36.204-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:02:51.234-05:00","filename_hash":"commercial_corridors_metropolitan_feature_1_38XmLal.png","width":1042,"height":782},"filename":"dr-klementich-to-crew-atlanta-lets-strenghten-our-commercial-corridors","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"isjSSg","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:02:50.120-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:02:50.120-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich emphasized the importance of investing in our city\u0026rsquo;s emerging corridors for CREW Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich recently wrote about the importance of investing in our city\u0026rsquo;s emerging corridors for the CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Atlanta blog. Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s real estate industry will be deeply involved with this issue in the coming years, especially as the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s population continues to grow.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://www.crewatlanta.org/\"\u003eCREW Atlanta\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;is a member of\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://crewnetwork.org/home\"\u003eCREW Network\u003c/a\u003e. Founded in 1982, CREW Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s mission is to influence the success of the commercial real estate industry by advancing the achievements of women. CREW Network is the industry\u0026rsquo;s premier business networking organization dedicated to supporting the achievements of women in commercial real estate. Its 8,000 members represent nearly every discipline within the industry and are located in 74 major markets across North America. CREW Network seeks to influence the success of the commercial real estate industry by focusing on fulfilling four key initiatives: business development, leadership development, industry research and career outreach.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eImages courtesy of City of Atlanta Department of Planning.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere is Dr. Klementich\u0026rsquo;s article,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.crewatlantablog.com/strengthening-atlantas-commercial-corridors/\"\u003ereprinted in full\u003c/a\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eStrengthening Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Commercial Corridors\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBy: Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO, Invest Atlanta\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nPublished: July 12, 2017\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe future strength and equity of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s economy depends on several key factors, one of which is how we can effectively invest in our city\u0026rsquo;s emerging commercial corridors.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s population is expected to double in the coming years\u0026mdash;from 465,000 today to an estimated 1.3 million by 2050\u0026mdash;a large percentage of these new residents will be living and working along our city\u0026rsquo;s major corridors. Therefore, we must invest in these to ensure they connect neighborhoods and accommodate growth in a way that benefits all Atlantans.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe have all heard that many of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s driving directions include the phrase, \u0026ldquo;Go down Peachtree.\u0026rdquo; It\u0026rsquo;s our city\u0026rsquo;s most prominent street, connecting the areas with the highest employment densities in the region: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. Peachtree has thrived throughout Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s history, and will continue do so in the future.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut Invest Atlanta is now focused on making targeted investments along corridors in Atlanta that are in development\u0026mdash;streets like Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Hollowell Parkway on the Westside, and Campbellton Road and Metropolitan Road in Southwest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently, all these major avenues share similar characteristics. They are all wide, multiple-lane roads filled with high-speed vehicular traffic. Commercial properties are often small and narrow in shape and separated long distances from each other by parking lots and underutilized properties. In addition, these corridors lack the amenities found in other parts of the city, such as greenspace and grocery stores.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo be successful, Invest Atlanta and many partners are working to address these issues. Working on multiple fronts, we hope to ensure these corridors become vibrant, attractive, and equitable connectors between neighborhoods for all forms of mobility.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eImproving infrastructure along these corridors is a key focus area for us. Last year, Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta secured a $10 million TIGER grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Innovation Corridor Project. The grant will fund improvements along MLK that include roadway enhancements such as synchronized traffic lights, new sidewalks, improved medians, and upgraded crosswalks.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta are both working to create more greenspace along these corridors. Near Hollowell, the Bellwood Quarry will soon be transformed into a reservoir and Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s largest park. Along Metropolitan Parkway, the Invest Atlanta board has approved funding for a Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) plan and the creation of a multiuse trail through the area\u0026rsquo;s Tax Allocation District (TAD\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and our partners are also working to create concentrated nodes of activity along these corridors. We\u0026rsquo;re doing so by coordinating and reconfiguring investment through property assembly, improving the marketability to targeted users, such as grocery stores, and creating an improved \u0026ldquo;sense of place\u0026rdquo; in the process. We\u0026rsquo;re also working to activate commercial activity in a targeted away. A few years ago, Invest Atlanta provided a grant to EUE/Screen Gems with the expansion of their film studio on the former site of the Lakewood Fairgrounds on Metropolitan Parkway. More recently, our board approved a $410,000 Cambellton Road TAD grant to build the Fort Mac FiberNet that will serve residents and businesses along Cambellton Road, as well those in the Oakland City, Sylvan Hills, Venetian Hills, and Capital View neighborhoods.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd looking ahead, Invest Atlanta is working with MARTA to create an Innovation Village at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA station adjacent to MLK, Jr. Dr. made entirely of repurposed shipping containers. This \u0026ldquo;iVillage,\u0026rdquo; first of its kind in the city, will offer transit-accessible, affordable office and retail space to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s entrepreneurs eager to build and grow their new businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll these efforts go hand in hand with the work we do every day to support residents and business owners throughout the city through our small business loan programs and down payment assistance programs. Many of those who have used our programs live and work along these corridors.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOur approach here at Invest Atlanta will include a key focus on redeveloping our city\u0026rsquo;s most important commercial corridors. By doing so, we\u0026rsquo;ll strengthen the city\u0026rsquo;s core neighborhoods, address equity and support increased resiliency and mobility.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":68,"title":"Equifax Opens New Office in Midtown","promo_title":"Equifax Opens New Office in Midtown","published_date":"2017-05-12","featured_image":{"id":279,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"equifax_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":164130,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T12:56:55.786-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T12:56:55.955-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T12:57:55.132-05:00","filename_hash":"equifax_400_zmlZY4j.jpg","width":1837,"height":1378},"filename":"equifax-opens-new-office-in-midtown","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"I67Q7w","created_at":"2017-12-21T12:57:54.078-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T12:57:54.078-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Equifax, a global FinTech leader, unveiled of its new office space at One Atlantic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEquifax, a global FinTech leader, unveiled of its new office space at One Atlantic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 10. Invest Atlanta supported this project through an $325,000 Economic Opportunity Fund grant, which the board approved in May of last year.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn attendance at the opening were Mayor Kasim Reed Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich, Equifax Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard F. Smith and Chief Global Operations Officer Andy Bodea, as well as Georgia State Senator Brandon Beach and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Pat Wilson.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I want to congratulate Equifax for its ongoing success and expansion,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Kasim Reed. \u0026ldquo;Equifax is a company with deep, established roots in our great city, and has redefined itself as a front-runner in the FinTech space. The organization\u0026rsquo;s commitment to the city\u0026rsquo;s growth trajectory has also helped further establish Atlanta as one of the leading technology and innovation hub in the world.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently, Equifax employs more than 2,200 Atlantans with the number expected to reach close to 3,000 over the next five years. The $17 million investment Equifax is making with this expansion is expected to generate over $62 million of economic impact.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;In the FinTech space, Atlanta is competing with global financial capitals like New York, London, Zurich, and Singapore,\u0026rdquo; said. Dr. Klementich. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s great news for our city when Equifax, a dominant FinTech player in the identity, fraud prevention, and analytics fields, decides to strengthen their already deep roots in Atlanta.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLocated near the Georgia Tech campus, the new five-floor, 100-000-square-foot office space will house Equifax employees from different functions such as IT, data/analytics, marketing, and finance.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s a very exciting day for us as we continue to expand our presence in the Atlanta Metro Area and reaffirm our commitment to the growth of our great city,\u0026rdquo; said Andy Bodea, Chief Global Operations Officer at Equifax. \u0026ldquo;These new offices are both a testament to the strength of our operations as well as to the vitality of the FinTech community in Atlanta, a growth engine in the U.S. We remain committed to drive innovation in all areas of our business and investing in the best talent to ensure we continue to deliver value to customers and consumers.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":69,"title":"I-85 Business Resource Event Supports Area Businesses","promo_title":"I-85 Business Resource Event Supports Area Businesses","published_date":"2017-05-10","featured_image":{"id":280,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"i85_resource_event_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":499434,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:00:00.002-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:00:00.321-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:00:45.506-05:00","filename_hash":"i85_resource_event_400_5E5pVKD.jpg","width":4219,"height":3164},"filename":"i-85-business-resource-event-supports-area-businesses","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"sDdmug","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:00:44.983-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:00:44.983-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta and other participating organizations hosted the I-85 Small Business Resource Event at the Peachtree Hills Recreation Center.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and more than a dozen participating organizations hosted the I-85 Small Business Resource Event on Tuesday, May 9 at the Peachtree Hills Recreation Center. At the event, businesses affected by the closure could meet with local service providers offering technical assistance, small and medium-sized business lending, consulting services, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;On behalf of the City of Atlanta, Mayor Reed, and the City Council, we are here to support you,\u0026rdquo; said Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich. \u0026ldquo;We are not going away, this is what we do all the time. You will hear from us after the bridge is open to find out how your business was impacted.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe following organizations, representing a variety of areas, participated in the event:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eTechnical Assistance Providers:\u0026nbsp;U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); Small Business Development Center (SBDC); SCORE\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eTransportation Providers \u0026amp; Partners:\u0026nbsp;MARTA; Lyft; Livable Buckhead\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFinancial Assistance Providers:\u0026nbsp;Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Small Business Team; ACE Loans; PNC; Wells Fargo\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eInsurance Providers:\u0026nbsp;BB\u0026amp;T Insurance; King \u0026amp; Spalding\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMunicipal \u0026amp; Membership-based Support:\u0026nbsp;City of Atlanta Office of Resilience; WorkSource Georgia; The Metro Atlanta Chamber\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKevin Johnson, IA\u0026rsquo;s Senior VP of Business Development, also announced the launch of a Dine and Shop Week hosted by the Cheshire Bridge Road Restaurant \u0026amp; Retail Association. It\u0026rsquo;s part of the effort to attract customers back to the impacted area and support neighborhood businesses, and will run from Wednesday, May 17 through Sunday, May 21.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe decision to host the I-85 Business Resource Event was based on information Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention and Expansion team gathered soon after the closure. The BRE team spoke to businesses in the area to determine how the event impacted them. These businesses said they were facing three key challenges: a loss of customers, workers being delayed when commuting to work, and a delay in delivery times.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis feedback also helped our partners identify key actions to take in support of affected businesses. For example, MARTA extended their operating hours, and the city launched of the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2017/05/10/i-85-business-resource-event/commuteatl.com\"\u003eCommuteATL\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to shared up-to-the-minute traffic data.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGoing forward, affected businesses can continue to reach out to Invest Atlanta with questions and concerns by email at\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"mailto:bizimpact@investatlanta.com\"\u003ebizimpact@investatlanta.com\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":75,"title":"Executive Corner: Portman CEO Ambrish Baisiwala on Coda’s Impact","promo_title":"Executive Corner: Portman CEO Ambrish Baisiwala on Coda’s Impact","published_date":"2017-04-15","featured_image":{"id":285,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"exec_corner_400.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":35194,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:22:56.931-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:22:57.091-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:24:02.703-05:00","filename_hash":"exec_corner_400_OPqggJQ.jpg","width":749,"height":561},"filename":"executive-corner-portman-ceo-ambrish-baisiwala-on-codas-impact","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"FGk_ZQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:24:02.131-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:24:02.131-05:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/244065995","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Portman CEO Ambrish Baisiwala visited our Executive Corner to discuss how\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2016/12/13/coda-tower-breaks-ground-in-tech-square/\" style=\"color: rgb(61, 138, 235); text-decoration-line: none; outline: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: \u0026quot;Whitney SSm A\u0026quot;, \u0026quot;Whitney SSm B\u0026quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;\"\u003eCoda\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;will strengthen Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s position as a technology hub.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePortman CEO Ambrish Baisiwala recently visited Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/news-press/executive-corner/\"\u003eExecutive Corner\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to discuss how his company\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2016/12/13/coda-tower-breaks-ground-in-tech-square/\"\u003eCoda project\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;will strengthen Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s position as a global technology hub, foster new collaboration between those in private industry and academic research, and attract new talent to the city.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;[Coda] will establish Atlanta as the place for collaborative research,\u0026rdquo; he said.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBaisiwala also spoke about how city and university partners came together to move this project forward.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Without the help that we had from the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, and Georgia Tech,\u0026rdquo; he said. \u0026ldquo;This project would not have happened.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction on the 25-story Coda Tower in Midtown\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://insight.investatlanta.com/2016/12/13/coda-tower-breaks-ground-in-tech-square/\"\u003ebegan in December 2016\u003c/a\u003e. With access to Coda\u0026rsquo;s powerful tools and resources, Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s students, faculty, and tech entrepreneurs will be better equipped to conduct research and commercialize new applications. The computing center contained within Coda will also further elevate Georgia Tech\u0026rsquo;s reputation as one of the world\u0026rsquo;s top engineering and research institutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board approved the issuance of up to $440 million in bonds to support the creation of the 90,000-square-foot data center. The overall mixed-use Coda project, scheduled to open in late 2018, will create approximately 2,400 new jobs and produce an estimated economic impact of $813.8 million over the next two decades.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":80,"title":"Invest Atlanta Helps New Realm Brewing Come Home to Atlanta","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Helps New Realm Brewing Come Home to Atlanta","published_date":"2017-04-04","featured_image":{"id":290,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"new_realm_brewing_rendering_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":151761,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:37:30.575-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T13:37:30.740-05:00","updated_at":"2018-02-07T15:41:27.312-05:00","filename_hash":"new_realm_brewing_rendering_feature_lpV22Dg.jpg","width":1200,"height":900},"filename":"invest-atlanta-helps-new-realm-brewing-come-home-to-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"kz2DVg","created_at":"2017-12-21T13:38:15.311-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T13:38:15.311-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n New Realm Brewing will soon open in Poncey-Highlands along the Atlanta BeltLine, thanks in part to Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s behind-the-scenes efforts.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNew Realm Brewing, co-founded by well-known Brewmaster Mitch Steele, will soon open in Poncey-Highlands along the Atlanta BeltLine, thanks in part to Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s behind-the-scenes efforts.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKent Spencer, Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Manager of Business Expansion and Retention, provided New Realm Brewing\u0026rsquo;s three founding partners\u0026mdash;Steele, CEO Carey Falcone, and CMO Bob Powers\u0026mdash;assistance with site development and connectivity issues involved with their project.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We probably would not be in Atlanta if it were not for Invest Atlanta,\u0026rdquo; said Falcone. \u0026ldquo;Putting a stake in the ground in my home city is incredibly fulfilling.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNew Realm Brewing will serve craft beer and food within its new 20,000-square-foot facility on Ralph McGill Avenue, with plans to make create an \u0026ldquo;inviting, unique, and fun atmosphere\u0026rdquo; for its guests.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSteele comes to Atlanta from Escondido, California, where he worked for a decade as the Brewmaster at Stone Brewing, the 10th largest craft brewer in the U.S. Over the years, Steele has become known as a leading authority on IPA brewing techniques.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am looking forward to the opportunity to become part of the growing craft beer movement in Atlanta and the Southeast,\u0026rdquo; said Steele in the project\u0026rsquo;s official announcement.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe news comes on the heels of good news for Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s craft beer makers as the Georgia state legislature recently passed a bill allowing local breweries to sell their products directly to customers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Eastside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":91,"title":"Kevin Johnson Touts Airport’s ‘Booming Submarket’","promo_title":"Kevin Johnson Touts Airport’s ‘Booming Submarket’","published_date":"2017-02-28","featured_image":{"id":305,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"kevin-johnson-touts-airport-booming-submarket-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":64996,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:14:54.469-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:14:54.616-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:15:28.328-05:00","filename_hash":"kevin-johnson-touts-airport-booming-submarket-featured_lpV2oyg.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"kevin-johnson-touts-airports-booming-submarket","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"GdAOfw","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:15:27.701-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:15:27.701-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n He spoke at a panel discussion about the positive changes coming to the area surrounding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKevin Johnson, Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s senior vice president of economic development and vice-chair of the Aerotropolis Alliance, spoke at the South Metro Development Outlook conference on February 23. He took part in a panel discussion about the positive changes coming to the area surrounding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world\u0026rsquo;s busiest passenger airport.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eJoining Johnson on the panel were Michael Paris, president and CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, and Roosevelt Council, the airport\u0026rsquo;s general manager.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Many companies are located in Atlanta because of our airport,\u0026rdquo; Johnson said. \u0026ldquo;The Aerotropolis is a booming submarket with many wonderful assets and many more to come.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The opportunities around the airport are immense,\u0026rdquo; added Paris.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the panel, Mayor Kasim Reed received the South Metro Development Outlook Award in recognition of his success in making the airport more successful than ever.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re doing absolutely amazing things here,\u0026rdquo; he said. \u0026ldquo;This is south metro\u0026rsquo;s moment.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor 15 years, Michael Hightower, managing partner at The Collaborative Firm, has convened elected officials and industry professionals interested in the counties of metro Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s southern counties: Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Henry, Spalding, and\u0026nbsp;South Fulton. This year\u0026rsquo;s conference covered many topics, including the area\u0026rsquo;s thriving logistics industry, transportation, the region\u0026rsquo;s Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), and the airport.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHartsfield-Jackson is not only the world\u0026rsquo;s busiest and most efficient passenger airport, it\u0026rsquo;s also the economic engine and job creator for a significant chunk of metro Atlanta. The airport employs 63,000 people\u0026nbsp;onsite, making it the state\u0026rsquo;s largest employer, and enables\u0026nbsp;a total of\u0026nbsp;400,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic impact.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eJohnson sees plenty of opportunity for new companies to relocate or expand on the hundreds of undeveloped land within the \u0026ldquo;corporate crescent\u0026rdquo; along the airport\u0026rsquo;s north side. Delta Air Lines and Porsche North American already call the area home.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I like to say that Atlanta has three central business districts: Downtown, Midtown, and\u0026nbsp;Buckhead,\u0026rdquo; said Johnson. \u0026ldquo;But the region has one central business district, the airport, and we need to start treating it that way.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eJohnson says the Aerotropolis Alliance is working to attract $1 billion in new private investment to the area within the next five to 10 years, not including the improvements already underway at the airport.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re making a statement, putting a stake in the ground, that\u0026nbsp;this place will lead the region in the future,\u0026rdquo; he said.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRoosevelt Council spoke about the $6 billion ATL Next capital improvement project he\u0026rsquo;s overseeing. Once work is complete, the airport will have a 4-start InterContinental Hotel, a sixth runway, the new Concourse G, an expanded Concourse T, and enough cargo capacity to make it a top 5 cargo airport. Council pointed out that 27,000 jobs are tied to air cargo in the state of Georgia.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCouncil emphasized that even with the continued growth of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, his focus would remain on ensuring the people of the south metro region benefit from the influx of new investment and jobs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Despite our size, we see ourselves as a community airport,\u0026rdquo; Council said.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":94,"title":"The 2017 Business Client Experience Survey Is Live","promo_title":"The 2017 Business Client Experience Survey Is Live","published_date":"2017-02-13","featured_image":{"id":312,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"the-2017-business-client-experience-survey-is-live-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":80098,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:19:33.488-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:19:33.648-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:20:12.496-05:00","filename_hash":"the-2017-business-client-experience-survey-is-live-featured_bznOkQg.jpg","width":1000,"height":750},"filename":"the-2017-business-client-experience-survey-is-live","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"V3jRMA","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:20:11.953-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:20:11.953-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta launched the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/investatlantabre\"\u003eBusiness Client Experience Survey\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to learn how we can better serve the city\u0026rsquo;s 17,000 small businesses.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta has launched the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/investatlantabre\"\u003eBusiness Client Experience Survey\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;to learn how our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) team can better serve the city\u0026rsquo;s 17,000 small businesses. (Take the survey\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/investatlantabre\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e, and please share with others.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAtlanta is a great place to start a business. NerdWallet recently named Atlanta it\u0026rsquo;s\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/226485\"\u003e#1 place to start a business\u003c/a\u003e, while Thumbtack found the city had a\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2016/06/16/atlanta-no-10-best-environment-for-small-business.html\"\u003eTop 10 small business-friendly environment\u003c/a\u003e. And Invest Atlanta assists local enterprises in several ways, including one-on-one consultations with the BRE team and a robust\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.investatlanta.com/business/small-business-loan-programs/\"\u003esmall business loan program\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Invest Atlanta is always looking for ways to make things even better for entrepreneurs looking to launch, grow, or accelerate their businesses. To help the organization do just that, the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/investatlantabre\"\u003eBusiness Client Experience Survey\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;asks participants to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas about Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small business environment. What\u0026rsquo;s working? What\u0026rsquo;s not? Is anything holding back further expansion? And the survey asks why, like so many other entrepreneurs, did they choose Atlanta?\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the data is gathered, experts at the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) will analyze it and help Invest Atlanta produce a final report on the state of small business in the city. The report will lay out what Invest Atlanta, as well as the City of Atlanta, is doing right and what can be improved to assist small businesses more effectively. Survey participants will be sent the final report before it is released to the general public.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePrevious surveys have helped deliver results for Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small businesses. For example, after receiving feedback from emerging tech companies, Invest Atlanta championed occupation tax and license fee exemptions for new businesses classified as high technology, life sciences, and intellectual property.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYour participation can help make a difference for small business in Atlanta, so please take the\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/investatlantabre\"\u003eBusiness Client Experience Survey\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;today.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":100,"title":"WEI Entrepreneurs Showcased at IA Demo Days","promo_title":"WEI Entrepreneurs Showcased at IA Demo Days","published_date":"2017-02-07","featured_image":{"id":322,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"wei-entrepreneurs-showcased-at-ia-demo-days-1024x494.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":72356,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:28:47.301-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:28:47.456-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:30:35.058-05:00","filename_hash":"wei-entrepreneurs-showcased-at-ia-demo-days-1024x494_p5VDEMr.jpg","width":1024,"height":494},"filename":"wei-entrepreneurs-showcased-at-ia-demo-days","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"oLXqKQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:30:34.221-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:30:34.221-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business and Retention (BRE) team recently hosted two Demo Days for the Women\u0026rsquo;s Entrepreneurship Initiative\u0026rsquo;s inaugural participants.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2017","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business and Retention (BRE) team recently hosted two Demo Days for the Women\u0026rsquo;s Entrepreneurship Initiative\u0026rsquo;s inaugural participants. Over the course of two days, Invest Atlanta learned more about their businesses, and the WEI entrepreneurs learned more about the services Invest Atlanta can provide.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta BRE team shared information about Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s resources and programs. They covered many topics, including access to capital, site location, government procurement, supply chain, workforce, and tools to help the entrepreneurs grow their businesses.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;re committed to seeing you succeed,\u0026rdquo; said BRE Manager Kent Spencer. \u0026ldquo;We want success, big success, coming out of WEI.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe WEI entrepreneurs come from different backgrounds and run a variety of types of businesses. Yet everyone who presented at the Demo Day demonstrated the intelligence, drive, and willingness to take risks that any successful business owner must have.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLogan Williams is preparing to transition away from her successful towing business,\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://rapidparkingsolutions.com/\"\u003eRapid Parking Solutions\u003c/a\u003e, to create an innovative 12-week academy for truck drivers. She plans to craft a well-rounded curriculum for drivers along with in-the-field training. She\u0026rsquo;ll also offer hands-on experience with other aspects of the business, such as dispatching and customer service. Logan\u0026rsquo;s main need is finding a space for her business, with an office and an outdoor training area. Spencer told her he could help her locate an available space within her budget.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTonya Hicks, who describes herself as a \u0026ldquo;mom, entrepreneur and electrician,\u0026rdquo; has started the company\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://www.weiatlanta.com/women-do-everything/\"\u003eWomen Do Everything\u003c/a\u003e. Tonya\u0026rsquo;s company provides home repair and management services for professional women and couples in the Atlanta Metro Area. Hicks is also looking for office space and wants to hire full-time staff, with benefits. BRE coordinator Cesar Vence told her about the benefits of locating in an Opportunity Zones, as well as the Eastside TAD grants and small business loans available through Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;The feedback from my presentation was very good for me,\u0026rdquo; said Hicks.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMayor Reed first had the vision for WEI during his first campaign for mayor, and under the leadership of Executive Director Theia Washington Smith, WEI has provided the first group of entrepreneurs a high-quality workspace at the Flatiron Building, tech resources through Microsoft, and mentorship opportunities. In its first year, WEI has already become more than a brick and mortar resource\u0026mdash;it\u0026rsquo;s now a vibrant, collaborative and supportive community that will support entrepreneurs for years to come.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and WEI will continue to support program participants as they build their companies, and both organizations are especially focused on providing the right resources to make the path to job creation more accessible for Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s entrepreneurs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpencer and Vence were excited to find out all of the entrepreneurs said they were planning to stay and grow, hiring locally in the City of Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We want to stay here and keep our business here,\u0026rdquo; said Lynn Lill of\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://craftboxgirls.com/\"\u003eCraftbox Girls\u003c/a\u003e. \u0026ldquo;We love Atlanta!\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":123,"title":"Board Makes Initial Move to Complete High-Tech Healthcare Project","promo_title":"Board Makes Initial Move to Complete High-Tech Healthcare Project","published_date":"2016-12-09","featured_image":{"id":356,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"board-makes-initial-move-to-complete-high-tech-healthcare-project-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":116975,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:14:48.439-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:14:48.586-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:15:11.353-05:00","filename_hash":"board-makes-initial-move-to-complete-high-tech-healthcare-project-featured_5E5pBje.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"board-makes-initial-move-to-complete-high-tech-healthcare-project","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"i4YUtQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:15:10.748-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:15:10.748-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n The Invest Atlanta board took a first step toward restarting construction on the $200 million Emory Proton Therapy Center.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Invest Atlanta board took a first step toward restarting construction on the $200 million Emory Proton Therapy Center at the corner of Peachtree St. and North Ave. in Midtown.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith a unanimous vote, the board approved an inducement resolution to issue tax-exempt 501(c)(3) bonds, with the proceeds going toward final construction costs and a refinancing of the project\u0026rsquo;s existing debt. Final approval of the bond resolution could come as soon as February of next year, and if the current timeline holds, the Center could be finished by the end of 2017.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce complete, the 170,000 square-foot Emory Proton Therapy Center will offer patients advanced cancer therapy treatment. This new state-of-the-art facility along North Avenue\u0026rsquo;s expanding medical technology district will further solidify the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s reputation as a global healthcare destination.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This is a project that is long overdue,\u0026rdquo; said Dawn Luke, Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Senior Vice President of Community Development.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Not only will it provide a resource in the health care industry, it will provide and help to advance Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s position as a center for advanced medical treatments as well as really be a part of the growing cluster of jobs focused a lot on this type of therapy.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll told, the project is set to bring 128 new, well-paid, and permanent medical jobs to the area, as well as 3,900 direct and indirect jobs during construction. The plans also call for around 4,000 sq. ft. of retail space at ground level. Current estimates put the total economic impact of the project at $503 million.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCurrently, the nearest facility offering similar treatment options is 300 miles away in Jacksonville, Florida. The new Center in Midtown will be an attractive option for local patients, as well as for \u0026ldquo;medical tourists\u0026rdquo; traveling to Atlanta to receive targeted treatments for brain, spine, breast, and other types of cancers.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Development\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":134,"title":"Invest Atlanta Co-Hosts Women’s Fitness and Empowerment Event","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Co-Hosts Women’s Fitness and Empowerment Event","published_date":"2016-11-14","featured_image":{"id":366,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"invest-atlanta-co-hosts-womens-fitness-and-empowerment-event-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":191401,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:44:21.999-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:44:22.153-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:44:47.519-05:00","filename_hash":"invest-atlanta-co-hosts-womens-fitness-and-empowerment-event-featured_ZO6mDzK.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"invest-atlanta-co-hosts-womens-fitness-and-empowerment-event","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"CtBPBg","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:44:47.022-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:44:47.022-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta Women\u0026rsquo;s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) invited #PowerWomenSweat founder Amber Grimes to lead networking and fitness event\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta and the Atlanta Women\u0026rsquo;s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) invited #PowerWomenSweat founder Amber Grimes to lead a networking, empowerment, and fitness event for women who contribute daily to the growth of Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHeld on the final weekend of October in the Atlanta City Hall Atrium, the event recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raised more than $1,100 for the Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta Foundation.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich co-hosted the gathering with Candace Byrd, chief of staff for the City of Atlanta, and WEI Director Theia Washington-Smith.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e#PowerWomenSweat promotes the maintenance of an active lifestyle and healthy relationships for women through an intense two-hour seminar that includes a networking workshop and dance workout routine.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGrimes described the benefits of her unique program this way: \u0026ldquo;Women tend to be stripped of their egos in a fitness environment and become more vulnerable, approachable and pleasant. It\u0026rsquo;s the next generation of networking events, because it actually works!\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":135,"title":"New UPS Facility Coming to South Atlanta","promo_title":"New UPS Facility Coming to South Atlanta","published_date":"2016-11-11","featured_image":{"id":367,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"ups_feature.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":33611,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:46:34.898-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:46:35.057-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:48:52.593-05:00","filename_hash":"ups_feature_jpv6PlO.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"new-ups-facility-coming-to-south-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"A9SKOw","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:46:52.578-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:46:52.578-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Kasim Reed and Governor Nathan Deal announced that UPS will create 1,250 jobs and invest more than $400 million\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMayor Kasim Reed and Governor Nathan Deal announced that United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS), a package delivery company, will create 1,250 jobs and invest more than $400 million to establish a regional sorting and distribution hub in Atlanta by the end of 2018.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am very pleased to see that UPS, a Fortune 500 company and mainstay in Atlanta for many years, will plant deeper roots in our city with this new hub of operations,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Reed. \u0026ldquo;This investment in southwest Atlanta will not only create 1,250 new jobs, but strengthen our position as an international hub for logistics supported by the world\u0026rsquo;s busiest passenger airport and the many global companies who call Atlanta home.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eUPS will create supervision, administrative and warehouse positions for the new sorting and distribution hub.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Georgia demonstrates an enduring commitment to industry leaders and job creators. With this investment, UPS will use Georgia\u0026rsquo;s location, transportation infrastructure and logistics sector to reach customers more quickly and more efficiently. UPS is already making a substantial economic impact in the Atlanta area and we look forward to the company\u0026rsquo;s continued success,\u0026rdquo; said Governor Deal.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eUPS employs more than 14,000 Georgia residents in package delivery operations, ground freight, aircraft operations, data center management and contract logistics. Product and technology development, global transportation network planning and other corporate staffs are based in metro Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;UPS has proudly made its global headquarters in Atlanta for more than two decades,\u0026rdquo; said David Abney, UPS chairman and CEO. \u0026ldquo;This strategic capital investment will feature state-of-the-art technology. When combined with the strong transportation connections and talented labor pool that Atlanta provides, UPS is building flexibility to meet the growing needs of our customers and our business in Georgia, and around the world.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;We are excited that UPS has decided to expand its operations in the City of Atlanta with this major distribution center,\u0026rdquo; said Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich. \u0026ldquo;This new facility represents a significant economic investment in the southside of Atlanta that will provide residents access to new jobs across a spectrum of skill levels. Invest Atlanta looks forward to working with the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency and UPS to build a pipeline of qualified professionals for these positions.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am pleased that our county leaders had the foresight to realize the value of this land and work closely with UPS to make this exciting project happen,\u0026rdquo; said John Eaves, chairman of the Fulton County Commission. \u0026ldquo;The benefits it will bring in terms of jobs and investment are immeasurable. This is a huge shot in the arm and yet another example of the economic engine that Fulton County has become.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Director of Existing Industry and Regional Recruitment Lindsay Martin represented the Global Commerce division throughout this project in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Fulton County.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s an exciting day when UPS, a company with such deep roots in our state, announces they are creating an even bigger footprint in Georgia,\u0026rdquo; said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. \u0026ldquo;This announcement is a testament to our world-class logistics infrastructure and reliable workforce \u0026ndash; both which are critically important to meeting the needs of UPS\u0026rsquo; customers. We look forward to working with UPS as they establish a regional hub in Fulton County.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Southside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":137,"title":"Georgia Named #1 State for Business for Fourth Consecutive Year","promo_title":"Georgia Named #1 State for Business for Fourth Consecutive Year","published_date":"2016-11-04","featured_image":{"id":369,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"georgia-named-number-1-state-for-business-for-fourth-consecutive-year-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":66787,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:50:35.970-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:50:36.182-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:51:05.279-05:00","filename_hash":"georgia-named-number-1-state-for-business-for-fourth-consecutive-year-featured_982qEzo.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"georgia-named-1-state-for-business-for-fourth-consecutive-year","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"PuZfdw","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:51:04.785-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:51:04.785-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Site Selection Magazine named Georgia the top state in which to do business for the fourth year in a row.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSite Selection, a leading economic development trade publication, has named Georgia the top state in which to do business for the fourth year in a row.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Georgia\u0026rsquo;s top state business climate ranking is based on where corporate expansion projects are occurring and where investors say they want to commit their capital for the long term,\u0026rdquo; said Mark Arend, editor-in-chief of\u0026nbsp;Site Selection.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;This recognition underscores how Georgia continues to be a world-class location for business,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO, Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;In 2016, we have seen three Fortune 500 companies relocate their headquarters or establish significant hubs in Atlanta because of our competitive business environment, skilled workforce and attractive quality of life.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first nine months of 2016, Invest Atlanta has helped attract $447 million of capital investment to Georgia within the City of Atlanta, creating 4,533 jobs. Economic development wins in Atlanta in the last six months with significant job creation and economic investment include GE Digital, Honeywell, NCR and Anthem.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":140,"title":"Successful Entrepreneurs Recognized at IA’s Excellence in Small Business Awards","promo_title":"Successful Entrepreneurs Recognized at IA’s Excellence in Small Business Awards","published_date":"2016-11-02","featured_image":{"id":372,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"small_business_awards_2016.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":82527,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:56:35.023-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:56:35.167-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:57:49.583-05:00","filename_hash":"small_business_awards_2016_jpv6PjW.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"successful-entrepreneurs-recognized-at-ias-excellence-in-small-business-awards","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"FJACaA","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:57:49.034-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:57:49.034-05:00","video_link":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/245385018","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta recognized thirteen local businesses for strengthening Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small business sector at the agency\u0026rsquo;s first small business awards luncheon.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta recognized thirteen local businesses for their role in strengthening Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s small business sector at the agency\u0026rsquo;s first small business awards luncheon. The award ceremony was held October 26 at The Commerce Club in Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll but one of the honorees have used Invest Atlanta loans to grow and sustain their businesses successfully over time.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spotted Trotter took home Entrepreneur of the Year honors. Co-owner Megan Ouzts credited Invest Atlanta for being \u0026ldquo;part of our financial team and, quite frankly, part of our family.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFoster and Associates, a/k/a Atlanta Headshots, received the Excellence in Longevity Award. The company\u0026rsquo;s been in business 45 years, thanks in part to a loan from Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s predecessor agency that allowed them to expand to their present size.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Expansion Excellence Award went to Naan Stop Experience, an Indian food restaurant that with Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s help recently added a successful second location. \u0026ldquo;We now have two locations, thanks to Invest Atlanta believing in us,\u0026rdquo; co-owner Samir Idnani said. \u0026ldquo;It\u0026rsquo;s been fantastic to have the confidence and support from Invest Atlanta so that we could build our dream and grow Naan Stop.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe recipients of the Community Favorite Awards, which go to local retail- or service-based businesses, were Alfajr Trading Company, Inc. (District 4), Preston CPA (District 6), and SW Experience LLC (District 11).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOther small businesses honorees included:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSecurity Investment Group, Franchise Excellence award\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eRainey Manufacturing Company, Manufacturing Excellence award\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eAtlanta Westview Holdings, LLC, Excellence in Commercial Development award\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eThe Epsten Group, Excellence in Innovation award\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMcArthur\u0026rsquo;s Apothecary, LLC, Startup Excellence award\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eRolling Out Magazine, Media Excellence award\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThought not a small business, the GSU Small Business Development Center received the Partnership Excellence Award in recognition of the technical services they have provided to several of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s existing and prospective clients.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 2001 to 2016, Invest Atlanta has invested more than $10 million into more than 150 businesses, and leveraged $41 million in total project costs to help those businesses grow.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":139,"title":"Anthem locates IT hub in Midtown Atlanta","promo_title":"Anthem locates IT hub in Midtown Atlanta","published_date":"2016-11-01","featured_image":{"id":371,"parent_id":33,"resource_file_name":"anthem-locates-it-hub-in-midtown-atlanta-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":116291,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:53:23.731-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T15:53:23.872-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:55:15.798-05:00","filename_hash":"anthem-locates-it-hub-in-midtown-atlanta-featured_ymr8pP8.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"anthem-locates-it-hub-in-midtown-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"s3itbg","created_at":"2017-12-21T15:53:38.374-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T15:53:38.374-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Anthem, Inc. is locating an information technology services hub at Bank of America Plaza in Midtown, creating 1,800 jobs.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnthem, Inc., one of the largest health benefits companies in the U.S., is locating an information technology services hub at Bank of America Plaza in Midtown Atlanta that will create more than 1,800 jobs. The company will invest more than $20 million in Atlanta over the next six years.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am excited that Anthem has chosen Atlanta for its consolidated IT business, where the company will have access to a base of highly skilled workers and a thriving business community focused on building for the future,\u0026rdquo; said Mayor Reed. \u0026ldquo;This move demonstrates that Atlanta is the region\u0026rsquo;s leader in technology and IT talent. This year alone three major Fortune 500 companies have established IT and innovation centers in our city.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA contributing factor to Anthem\u0026rsquo;s decision to bring the immense IT services consolidation project to Midtown was the key information that Invest Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and Georgia Power provided to Anthem about the benefits of doing business in the City of Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s continued attraction of significant information technology centers is a testament to our city\u0026rsquo;s strong knowledge-based economy, which is fueled by an educated and skilled workforce that has driven steady job growth for many years,\u0026rdquo; said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. \u0026ldquo;In addition to a strong base of talent, Atlanta offers companies and their employees a high quality of life and low cost of living that surpasses other major metropolitan areas.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEmployees at the new IT hub at Bank of America Plaza will be able to closely collaborate with their counterparts at the Anthem Innovation Studio, which recently opened in Tech Square.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":115,"title":"NCR Expands New Global Headquarters in Atlanta","promo_title":"NCR Expands New Global Headquarters in Atlanta","published_date":"2016-09-14","featured_image":{"id":347,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"ncr-expands-new-global-headquarters-in-atlanta-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":165717,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:56:10.931-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:56:11.083-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:57:10.338-05:00","filename_hash":"ncr-expands-new-global-headquarters-in-atlanta-featured_p5VDEQD.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"ncr-expands-new-global-headquarters-in-atlanta","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"QOV-ZA","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:57:09.715-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:57:09.715-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Mayor Reed and Gov. Deal announced NCR will create more than 1,800 jobs and invest $145 million in Midtown.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Gov. Nathan Deal have announced that the NCR Corporation will create more than 1,800 jobs and invest $145 million through an expansion of NCR\u0026rsquo;s new Midtown Atlanta campus. The expansion will include construction of a second tower at its global headquarters to bring together employees from the Alpharetta, Atlanta and Duluth offices.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am pleased that NCR has chosen to further expand its global headquarters campus in the City of Atlanta through another capital investment in Midtown and by bringing more than 1,800 skilled professionals to our city,\u0026rdquo; said Reed.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNCR\u0026rsquo;s state-of-the-art world headquarters campus will be located at the corner of 8th Street and Spring Street in Midtown Atlanta, in close proximity to Technology Square, Georgia Tech and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The second tower is scheduled for occupancy in the first quarter of 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Atlanta continues to grow as a global technology center that offers companies access to top talent, renowned research institutions and advanced technology infrastructure. In our world-class business community, entrepreneurs and executives can find everything they need to build their dreams,\u0026rdquo; Reed added.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe announcement follows NCR\u0026rsquo;s January 2015 news that the company will move its world headquarters to the City of Atlanta and bring 3,600 jobs to its new campus. Phase I of the project, which features a 20-story tower, is under construction and is scheduled for completion in Q1 2018. Phase II, which is in the design phase, will feature a connected, 14-story office tower and is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in Q1 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":113,"title":"Façade Improvement Grants Underwrite Openings of Trendsetter Restaurants","promo_title":"Façade Improvement Grants Underwrite Openings of Trendsetter Restaurants","published_date":"2016-09-14","featured_image":{"id":345,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"facade-improvement-grants-underwrite-openings-of-trendsetter-restaurants-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":95006,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:52:37.411-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:52:37.580-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:53:49.843-05:00","filename_hash":"facade-improvement-grants-underwrite-openings-of-trendsetter-restaurants-featured_xD2n9nJ.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"facade-improvement-grants-underwrite-openings-of-trendsetter-restaurants","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"6yBoqw","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:53:49.223-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:53:49.223-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Both Caf\u0026eacute; + Velo and Georgia Beer Garden received Downtown Fa\u0026ccedil;ade Improvement Grants (DFIGs) from Invest Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe imminent opening of two of the most anticipated new restaurants to come to Atlanta this year \u0026ndash; Caf\u0026eacute; + Velo and Georgia Beer Garden \u0026ndash; is being made possible by Downtown Fa\u0026ccedil;ade Improvement Grants (DFIGs) issued to both projects by Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGeorgia Beer Garden received a $233,000 DFIG for the renovation of its building at 420 Edgewood, while Caf\u0026eacute; + Velo is leasing space in 381 Edgewood, which obtained a $111,000 DFIG. The grants were issued through IA\u0026rsquo;s Eastside Tax Allocation District (TAD).\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaf\u0026eacute; + Velo is a one-of-its-kind space \u0026ndash; a caf\u0026eacute; and bike rental shop with a large patio and rooftop dining deck that will host morning yoga and a mini croquet course.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGeorgia Beer Garden will serve only beers from Georgia breweries (24 of them on tap) to go with a Southern-style menu that features a German influence \u0026ndash; think the likes of country chicken and biscuits with schnitzel. The third floor of the space will become a sports bar.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to these two buildings, 145 Auburn, which houses Condessa Coffee and Arden\u0026rsquo;s Garden, and 339-347 Edgewood, where Uptop Lounge and the recently announced Hungry Ghost, an Asian street food concept from the owners of Poor Calvin\u0026rsquo;s, are recipients of DFIGs from Invest Atlanta.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Eastside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":106,"title":"Invest Atlanta Shines at BronzeLens Film Festival","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Shines at BronzeLens Film Festival","published_date":"2016-09-13","featured_image":{"id":338,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"invest-atlanta-shines-at-bronzelens-film-festival-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":55996,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:40:39.050-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:40:39.180-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:41:42.189-05:00","filename_hash":"invest-atlanta-shines-at-bronzelens-film-festival-featured_XJ5Y7yg.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"invest-atlanta-shines-at-bronzelens-film-festival","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"9Lit6g","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:41:41.418-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:41:41.418-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Several staffers from Invest Atlanta participated in a a panel discussion a the Seventh Annual BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeveral staffers from Invest Atlanta had their time in the spotlight when they sat on a panel during the Seventh Annual BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta held Aug. 25 \u0026ndash; 28, 2016.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe BronzeLens Film Festival, founded in 2009, works very hard to bring national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. Every fall, film lovers, actors and filmmakers gather in Atlanta to share a creative platform of education, entertainment and empowerment discussions related to film, as well as television, and the production of both.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe topic the Invest Atlanta group presented discussed finding funding for entertainment businesses and projects, and housing opportunities available to entertainment professionals in Atlanta. The panelists included Kevin Johnson, senior vice president of Economic Development, Anita Allgood, homeownership manager, and Cynthia Freeman, small business loan specialist. Filling the seat as moderator was Kent Spencer, business expansion and retention manager.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe event was an important moment for Invest Atlanta, allowing IA to engage one-on-one with individuals in Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s growing entertainment industry and discuss the many different opportunities to partner with film and entertainment professionals.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n \n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":34,"title":"Invest Atlanta Conducts Outreach to Castleberry Hill Business Owners","promo_title":"Invest Atlanta Conducts Outreach to Castleberry Hill Business Owners","published_date":"2016-08-17","featured_image":{"id":241,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"invest-atlanta-hits-the-streets-with-outreach-to-castleberry-hill-business-owners-featured__1_.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":82915,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-20T16:00:07.750-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-20T16:00:07.905-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T16:01:13.768-05:00","filename_hash":"invest-atlanta-hits-the-streets-with-outreach-to-castleberry-hill-business-owners-featured__1__jpvjPbn.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"invest-atlanta-conducts-outreach-to-castleberry-hill-business-owners","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"-V506g","created_at":"2017-12-20T16:01:13.297-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-20T16:01:13.297-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Kent Spencer of our Business Retention and Expansion team briefed members of the Castleberry Hill Business Association on IA programs.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eKent Spencer of Invest Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s Business Retention \u0026amp; Expansion team recently briefed members of the Castleberry Hill Business Association on IA programs and resources that can help meet the needs of the neighborhood\u0026rsquo;s business owners. Among other things, Spencer told the audience about IA loan opportunities and a retail impact study of the area that Invest Atlanta could provide, as well as a rundown on the planned expansion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive corridor.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing Spencer\u0026rsquo;s presentation, he and the attendees conducted a spirited discussion about the community\u0026rsquo;s needs and how Invest Atlanta can support them. The BRE team also is holding one-on-one follow-up meetings with businesses who attended the event.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Westside\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":52,"title":"New Joint Venture to Increase Skills, Wages for H\u0026F Bread Company Employees","promo_title":"Joint Venture to Increase Skills, Wages for H\u0026F Bread Employees","published_date":"2016-06-16","featured_image":{"id":261,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"new-joint-venture-to-increase-skills-wages-for-h-and-f-bread-company-employees-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":136052,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:45:40.722-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T10:45:40.859-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:46:33.449-05:00","filename_hash":"new-joint-venture-to-increase-skills-wages-for-h-and-f-bread-company-employees-featured_Pg7zk1K.jpg","width":400,"height":300},"filename":"new-joint-venture-to-increase-skills-wages-for-hf-bread-company-employees","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"A-JH-g","created_at":"2017-12-21T10:46:32.914-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T10:46:32.914-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Invest Atlanta established a joint venture between the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency and H\u0026amp;F Bread for a job training program.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs a catalyst for growth, Invest Atlanta has established a joint venture between the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency and H\u0026amp;F Bread Company for a job creation and training program. Under this agreement, AWDA and H\u0026amp;F will fund training for H\u0026amp;F employees in the company\u0026rsquo;s new processes for making high-quality, artisanal bread. In addition, AWDA will assist in recruiting new employees for H\u0026amp;F\u0026rsquo;s growing operations.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe six-month training program, intended for new and existing H\u0026amp;F employees, begins this month and will see participating employees obtain progressively higher wages as they increase their skills and mastery of advanced baking equipment. The current approximate wage scale of $10 to $12 per hour will grow to roughly $18 per hour.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAWDA\u0026rsquo;s training partnership coincides with H\u0026amp;F\u0026rsquo;s move from its present Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard location in northwest Atlanta to a new state-of-the-art manufacturing site on Marietta Street. H\u0026amp;F, which serves customers from Maine to the West Coast, will open its new 80,000 square foot facility to the public and provide a glass viewing area where visitors can see how its bread items are made.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAWDA, a key partner of Invest Atlanta, is the City of Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s workforce training and recruitment agency, furnishing job seekers with resources to obtain sustainable employment and helping businesses meet their labor training, development and staffing needs.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Businesses\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Northwest\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"},{"id":95,"title":"Equifax Expansion to Bring 650 Jobs to Midtown","promo_title":"Equifax Expansion to Bring 650 Jobs to Midtown","published_date":"2016-04-20","featured_image":{"id":313,"parent_id":34,"resource_file_name":"equifax-expansion-will-bring-650-jobs-to-midtown-featured.jpg","resource_content_type":"image/jpeg","resource_file_size":178368,"resource_updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:21:15.424-05:00","caption":"","description":null,"attachable_id":null,"attachable_type":null,"assets_resource_uses_count":1,"created_at":"2017-12-21T14:21:15.566-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:22:39.496-05:00","filename_hash":"equifax-expansion-will-bring-650-jobs-to-midtown-featured_qN9QJJE.jpg","width":800,"height":600},"filename":"equifax-expansion-to-bring-650-jobs-to-midtown","meta_data_id":null,"published":true,"token":"2iESiQ","created_at":"2017-12-21T14:22:38.862-05:00","updated_at":"2017-12-21T14:22:38.862-05:00","video_link":"","promo_description":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg-basic promo_description\"\u003e\n Atlanta-based Equifax will make a $17-million investment expansion into offices at One Atlantic Center in Midtown.\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","project_year":"2016","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"datatype-wysiwyg content\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAtlanta-based Equifax, the credit reporting and financial technology giant that is a global leader in consumer, commercial and workforce information solutions, will make a $17-million investment expansion into offices at One Atlantic Center, in Midtown, bringing 650 jobs into the city.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe move into a 100,000-square foot space in the iconic, 50-story skyscraper at the intersection of 14th and West Peachtree Streets will bring 150 net new jobs into Atlanta \u0026ndash; the remaining 500 will relocate from offices in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs \u0026ndash; and should create an economic impact of more than $75.8 million. Construction on the new expansion is set to begin in September, with Equifax planning to occupy the new space in two phases, in February and July 2017.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;Over the past decade, Equifax has transformed itself from a credit bureau to a global data and analytics company, contributing to Atlanta\u0026rsquo;s strong and growing FinTech sector,\u0026rdquo; said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. \u0026ldquo;Forward-looking, technology-driven companies are choosing Atlanta as the place to expand their businesses and add well-paying, family-supporting jobs.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEquifax officials cited the company\u0026rsquo;s history in Atlanta and Midtown\u0026rsquo;s status as a center of leading-edge technology development as reasons for its decision.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;After considering several locations, we decided it was in the best interest of the company, our Atlanta-based employees, and the community to expand in Atlanta and further strengthen our roots that date back 117 years, and position ourselves for a great future that includes a growth trajectory of 600 to 700 jobs over the next several years,\u0026rdquo; said Andy Bodea, Chief Global Operations Officer for Equifax. \u0026ldquo;We naturally gravitated to Midtown, with its terrific access to a prominent engineering school and a growing reputation for innovation and technology hubs that are a magnet for great talent.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eInvest Atlanta played a key role in support of the expansion project, which increases the local footprint of a company that is the market leader in 17 of the 21 countries where it operates, including the U.S., and employs about 9,200 people around the globe.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\n\u003c/div\u003e\n","category_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field category_id\"\u003e\n Site Selection\n\u003c/span\u003e\n","location_id":"\u003cspan class=\"datatype-select_field location_id\"\u003e\n Midtown\n\u003c/span\u003e\n"}]}
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