factbook 2012
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Factbook 2012TRANSCRIPT
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E X E C U T I V E
PUBLISHER Otis A. Brumby, Jr.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Otis Brumby III
V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jay Whorton
E D I TO R I A L S TA F F
MANAGING EDITOR Billy Mitchell
DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Mark Wallace Maguire
NEWS EDITOR Kim Isaza
LAYOUT AND DESIGNMark Wallace Maguire, Stacey L. Evans
CONTRIBUTORS Allen Bell, Jon Gillooly, Kevin Hazzard, Marcus Howard, Davia Mosley,Greg Oshust, Michael Pallerino, Lindsay Field,
Sheri Kell
SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Moon, Reid Traylor
PHOTOGRAPHY Erin Gray, Todd Hull, Jon-Michael Sullivan
COPY DESK Kathy Goldsberry, Emily BoorsteinBrent Adams, Brent Ashworth, Gloria Love
MAPS AND CHARTS Caroline Brannen, Leigh Hall
A DV E RT I S I N G S TA F F
COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER Becky Opitz
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Tammy Heil, Melinda Young, Paula Milton, Katelyn Ledford, Candace Hallford
Liz Ridley, Dawne Edge, Nat Long, Kay Perry,Kim Fowler, Tara Guest, Stephanie DeJarnette
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Caroline Brannen,Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall
P RO D U C T I O N
CREATIVE DIRECTORLeigh Hall
CIRCULATION DIRECTORMatt Heck
I N F O R M AT I O N
Factbook is published annually by The Marietta Daily Journal and
distributed to more than 23,500 homesand businesses.
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICESTo request a copy or to subscribe,
contact us at 770.795.5000 or email us at subscriber
[email protected]. ADVERTISING: To advertise, contact Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001
NEWS TIP: Contact Billy Mitchell at 770.795.5000x207
FACTBOOK2012-13
C O N T E N T S
8 INTRODUCTION
11 COMMUNITYCity profiles, maps and famous residents
49 BUSINESSCommerce in Cobb, Top 10 employers andpower women
71 GOVERNMENTImportant numbers, elected officials and more
85 EDUCATION Information on localschools, colleges and test scores
109 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTCobbs Competitive EDGE, redevelopmentplans in south Cobb
115 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTArtist profiles, lists of playhouses, theaters,concert venues, festivals and more
139 HEALTH & FITNESS Parks, hospitalsand a 65-year-old world champion
149 REAL ESTATE Homes,agents and senior living
49
115
149
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2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 8
Welcome to the 2012-13 Factbookcommunity
Executive Vice PresidentMARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL
Who we are and what we do
Photos of the Marietta Daily Journal throughout the years, including our current location, at 580 Fairground St. SE in Marietta.
It is no accident Cobb County is widely
considered one of the premier spots in
Georgia to live, work and play. Cobb is
home to over 700,000 residents, Fortune
500 companies, first-class health care
facilities, universities, technical colleges,
performing arts venues and a strong sense
of community. In short, Cobb is
exceptional.
Cobb County and its six cities have a rich
history and a bright future. Once a rural
farming community, Cobbs population
exploded during World War II when the
Bell Bomber plant opened in Marietta in
1943 and began building B-29s and
employing over 28,000 workers at its peak.
Overnight, Cobb became one of the
industrial centers in the South.
Today, Lockheed Martin occupies the
former Bell Bomber site and is one of
thousands of businesses, large and small,
that call Cobb County home. With some of
the lowest tax rates in metro Atlanta, good
public schools, a low cost of living, an
educated workforce and efficient local
governments, Cobb is well positioned for
future success.
For the leisurely side of life, Cobb also
boasts a wide array of activities and
entertainment. Whether it is hiking
Kennesaw Mountain, a day on Lake
Acworth, a local farmers market, history
museums, theme parks, multiple
performing arts venues, shopping, and
restaurants there is never a shortage of
things to do.
The 2012-2013 Cobb Factbook is the
essential guidebook for everyone from the
newcomers to longtimers. This annual
publication, produced by the Marietta Daily
Journal, contains 164 pages of valuable
facts, figures and information to help you
throughout the year. We hope you enjoy it
and are reminded how fortunate we are to
call Cobb County home.
Since 1866, the Marietta Daily Journal has servedas Cobbs best source for local news, sports and lifestyle.
The newspaper is published daily and can also be accessed via theInternet at www.mdjonline.com.
In addition to producing an award-winning newspaper, theMarietta Daily Journal publishes several special sections includingFactbook, Progress, Cobb Football Kickoff and Cobb Life magazine.
Cobb Life magazine is Cobbs number one lifestyle magazine and ispublished ten times a year.
To receive the Marietta Daily Journal, call subscriber services at770.795.5000 or email us at [email protected].
You can also follow us at: www.mdjonline.com, Facebook and Twitter.
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Allure Dance Studio 48American Auto Paint & Body 65Arlene McCoy & Associates -
Remax Around Atlanta 152Atherton Place 23Atlanta Ballet 48, 129Atlanta Lyric Theatre 127Better Baseball 146Blackwell's Jewelers 31Bounce Atlanta 123Carmichael Funeral Home 33Carol Ann King - Harry Norman 154Central Church of Christ 44Chattahoochee Technical College 107Cherokee Women's Health Specialist 148Church Directory 44City of Acworth 74City of Austell 77City of Kennesaw - Pigs & Peaches Festival 118City of Marietta 81City of Smyrna 75Clement Catering 52Cobb Antique Mall 37Cobb County Chamber of Commerce 110Cobb County Civic Center 134Cobb County Government 70Cobb County Public Library System 47Cobb County Republican Party 77Cobb County Republican Women's Club 143Cobb County Young Republicans 75Cobb EMC 72Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center 116Cobb Hardware 113Cobb Regional Republican Women's Club 39Cobb Travel & Tourism 42Community Bank of the South 61Compassionate Care Ministries 50Copelands of New Orleans 133Cornerstone Prep 98Cumberland Diamond Exchange 53Curves For Women 146Dallas Civic Center 135Dance Stop Studios 135Dave Poe's BBQ 19Debbie Redford - All Atlanta Realty 160DK Gallery 128Eagle Vending 151East Cobb Rotary 12Emory-Adventist Hospital At Smyrna 140Expert Car Medics 78Fabric & Fringe Warehouse 48Faith Designs Florist 38Faith Lutheran Church & School 97First Baptist Church of Woodstock 45First United Methodist Church of Marietta 44Five Star Vacations 78Fresh N Fit 142Gail Holman - Remax Around Atlanta
Marietta-West 155Geico 43Georgia Aquarium 121Georgia Ballet 136Georgia Memorial Park 39
Georgia Power 112Georgia's Own Credit Union 82-83Gone With The Wind Museum 125Gunn Firm 48Harry Norman - Whitlock 156Heywood's Provisions Company 119Highland Commercial Bank 55Historic Marietta Branding Project 126Hong Kong Star 35Hugh Gilliam - Atlanta Communities 157Jennifer Prange & Gay Locke -
Remax Around Atlanta 154Jim Glover - Atlanta Fine Homes 159Johnny Walker - Harry Norman 159Johnson Ferry Baptist Church 26K Mike Whittle Designs 29Kaiser Permanente 2Kathy Reynolds - Solid Source Realty 95Kennesaw State University 100Kennesaw United Methodist Church 43, 44KSU Continuing Education 163Lennar Homes 150Lent & Associates 10LGE Community Credit Union 69Life Grocery & Caf 38Macland Baptist Church 44Magnolia Room 19Marietta Adventist Church 44Marietta Fish Market 113Marietta Museum of History 90Marietta Power 108Marietta Toyota 79Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral
Home & Crematory 162Mount Paran Christian School 92Mt. Bethel Christian 93Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church 44NCG Cinemas 123Neu Homes - Chris Norris 155Nobis Works 21Norman Medford-Peden Funeral Home 43North Cobb Christian School 103North Georgia State Fair 4Okinawa Hibachi & Sushi 120Once Upon A Ballet 134
Parc @ Piedmont 147Pathways Academy 106Peachstate Insurance Services 14Piedmont Healthcare 138Pinnacle Orthopedics 164Presbyterian Village 145Prestige Jewelers 59Primrose Schools 86Resurgens Orthopaedics 7Robbins Realty 161Roswell Street Baptist Church 5Sawyer Bailey Salon 20Shiloh Hills Christian School 98Shorter University 105Smyrna Towers 35Soleil Laurel Canyon 158Southern Museum 131Southern Polytechnic State University 3, 84St. Catherine's Episcopal
Church and Preschool 44St. James Episcopal Church 44St. Joseph Catholic School 99State Bank & Trust Company 57Stepside Tires 64Sterling Estates 25Sue Hilton - Keller Williams 153Sundial Plumbing 67Superior Plumbing 9, 157The Bottoms Group 15The Chance Team - Robbins Realty 153The Framery 50The Strand Theatre 137The Walker School 94Town Center Community Church 44Triumphant Community Church 44United Community Bank 50Vinings Bank 63Vittles 48Wendy Bunch - Remax 160West Cobb Funeral Home & Crematory 27Whitefield Academy 102Wild Wings Caf 119Windsong Properties, LLC 48Winnwood Retirement 30Woodstock Market 88
I N D E X O F A D V E R T I S E R S
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WHATS ROTARY
Rotary International is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, and help to
build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotary club members belonging to 34,000 Rotary clubs
in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Founded in Chicago in 1905, Rotary celebrated 100 years of service in 2005. The Rotary Foundation has awarded more than US $2.1
billion in grants, which are administered at the local level by Rotary clubs.
What is the purpose of Rotary?
Rotary clubs exist to improve communities through a range of humanitarian, intercultural and educational activities. Clubs advise
international understanding by partnering with clubs in other countries. Rotary also encourages high ethical stands in all vocations.
What do Rotary clubs do?
Rotary clubs address critical issues at home and abroad by providing health care and medical supplies, clean water, food, job training,
youth development, and education to millions of people in need. Examples of Rotarys focus areas include:
Polio Eradication - In 1985, Rotary International created PolioPlus - a program to immunize all the worlds children against polio.
To date, Rotary has contributed more than US $1 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion chil-
dren in 122 countries. Rotary is currently working to raise an additional US $200 million toward a US $355 million challenge grant
from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These efforts are providing much needed polio vaccine, operational support, medical
personnel, laboratory equipment and education materials for health workers and parents. In addition, Rotary has played a major role
in decisions by donor governments to contribute over $66 billion to the effort. With its community-based network worldwide, Rotary
is the volunteer arm of the global partnership dedicated to eradicating polio. Rotary volunteers assist in vaccine delivery, social
mobilization and logistical help in cooperation with the national health ministries, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF,
and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Peace - In an effort to educate tomorrows peacemakers and ambassadors, up to 110 Rotary World Peace Fellows are sponsored each
year to study at one of the eight universities for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution. Since 2002, 431 fellows from
over 75 countries have participated at a cost of more than $23 million.
International Education - Rotary is the worlds largest privately-funded source of international scholarships. Each year, about 1,000
university students receive Rotary scholarships to study abroad. Rotary clubs also coordinate a high school age student exchange
program that has sent nearly 8,000 students abroad for three months to a year.
Literacy - Rotary clubs work to improve literacy rates worldwide. A unique, Rotary-pioneered approach called the Concentrated
Language Encounter (CLE) has proven very effective in resource-strapped developing countries. It was also successful in Thailand,
that the Thai government adopted the program nationwide.
Water Management - Recognizing the importance of clean water, many Rotary clubs help to install wells and develop water treat-
ment and distribution systems to increase access to fresh drinking water for communities in need, especially in developing countries.
Come check out the Rotary Club of East Cobb. We meet every Wednesday from
7:00 - 8:00 A.M. at the Indian Hills Country Club.
ROTARY www.eastcobbrotary.com
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community
og Cabin Community ChurchAs it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the church of just 40
members also is looking to return to its roots.
Log Cabin celebrated its centennial with many old members and a
special worship service June 3 at the church, at 2699 Log Cabin Drive
off Woodland Brook Drive near Interstate 285.
The church was formed by area residents, many of whom were recent
arrivals from Atlanta, as Cobb County began to suburbanize along the
trolley line that ran from nearby Atlanta to Marietta Square. The mi-
grants, less than thrilled about making the long journey back to Atlanta
on unpaved roads to attend church, formed Log Cabin in 1912.
The church was chartered by 44 members in a log cabin and was
known as Log Cabin Community Sunday School.
is a small non-denominational church in Smyrnawith a big reputation as an ideal wedding locale.
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Members soon had to build a larger facility
as the churchs reputation grew. It also began
attracting high-profile guest speakers of vari-
ous denominations.
Among them were educator Martha Berry,
the founder of Berry College; Rebecca La-
timer Felton of Cartersville, the first woman to
serve as a U.S. Senator; Atlanta Constitution
editor Ralph McGill; and Govs. Clifford
Walker, Lamartine Hardeman and Ellis Arnall.
Longtime member Charles Switzer, 78, of
Smyrna, said that as a child, he used a coal-
burning, potbelly stove to heat the church be-
fore older members came in to worship.
Log Cabin continues to have an adult Sun-
day school at 9:45 a.m. in the restored original
log cabin that contains historical displays. A
worship service is conducted an hour later in a
stone chapel built in 1949. A reception hall
was built around the same time. While guest
speakers are still invited, members decided
some stability was needed in the pulpit.
The Rev. Richard Landers, associate director
of admissions and recruitment at Emorys
Candler School of Theology, is the churchs
pastor. He is only the second pastor of the
church.
Log Cabins longtime quaintness as an insu-
lar church perhaps contributed to the decline
in membership over the years, some say.
The church now receives most of its revenue
from weddings, according to members. For
some couples, getting married at Log Cabin
has become a family tradition, as generations
of people have tied the knot at the stone
chapel, with its trademark bright red exterior
doors and rustic interior that seats 150 people.
At least 60 weddings take place at Log
Cabin each year, said wedding coordinator Pat
Mackay, a member for the past seven years.
However, current members want the public to
know that Log Cabin is a church in transfor-
mation.
Log Cabin accepts everybody, no matter
what your beliefs are, said organist Kathryn
Cooler of Smyrna, a 12-year member.
Each year, Log Cabin sponsors an Easter egg
hunt that draws as many as 100 children to its
grounds. It also conducts an animal blessing in
October. The church also is active with non-
profits, such as MUST Ministries, Habitat for
Humanity, Calvary Childrens Home and Boy
Scouts. A traditional homecoming celebration
brings back old members on the first Sunday
each June.
The church marked its 100-year anniversary
on June 3 with guest preacher Gil Watson. He
used to preach occasionally at Log Cabin and
is now pastor of Atlantas Northside Church.
Congratulatory letters from Gov. Nathan Deal,
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and Smyrna Mayor
Max Bacon were recognized.
Lunch, which included fried chicken, ham,
potato salad and a variety of desserts, followed
on the grounds.
I saw a lot of people I hadnt seen in a long
time, said Switzer.
2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 14
Mariah Thompson andCharles Switzer, both ofSmyrna, stand outside thechurchs entrance with someof the buildings relics.
community
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2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 16
COBBStatistics
2003Race
Median Age2000: 33.22004: 33.42010: 35.4
CommuteAverage one-way commute to work (2010):
29.7 minutesMedian Household Income2000:2004:2010:
$58,289$59,871
$65,522
Source: Census Bureau, Governors Office of Planning and Budget
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2008 2010
CountyPopulation
24,664 28,397 30,437 35,408 38,27261,830
114,174
196,793
297,718
447,745
607,751663,818
698,156 688,078
Acworth Austell Kennesaw Marietta Powder Springs Smyrna
CityPopulation
13,422
20,425 21,675
29,783
40,999
51,271
5,359 6,541
12,481 13,490
58,748 56,579
2003 2010
201074% White
21% Black
4% Asian
1% Other
62% White
25% Black
4% Asian
8% Other
2003
Ethnicity2010
9% Hispanic
91% Non-Hispanic
11% Hispanic
89% Non-Hispanic
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What makes Cobb great?
Micky Blackwell of Marietta,
retired Lockheed executive
Cobb County has the warmth andcharm of a small southern townwhere people care about each
other, access to big-city entertain-ment, dining and sports, outstand-
ing schools and qualitygovernment leadership.
Jeri Barr,executive director,Center for Family
Resources
I was not born here. I choseCobb. I moved here in 1973 andhave seen many changes as thecounty has grown. As a Navy bratand having moved every twoyears of my life, I am proud to callCobb home. The people arewarm, welcoming and caring. Thebusiness, education, faith andnonprofit communities all work inconcert to improve the quality oflife for all of its citizens. I foundmy husband here and have thebest job in the world. What morecan one person want? To be ableto live and work in the best placein the universe!
Patrick Staffordof Vinings,
marketing consultant
Cobb County is a great placebecause of the abundance of op-portunities available to our middleand high school students in aca-demics, performing arts and athlet-ics. The magnet and performingarts programs provide excellenttraining and academic instructionand rigor to prepare students fortheir future endeavors. The athleticopportunities in numerous teamand individual sports provide en-hanced competitions throughoutthe year to improve one's skillsand succeed in statewide, regionaland national contests as meas-ured by state titles and high-per-forming national track and fieldcompetitors.
Butch Thompson of west Cobb,
business ownerI think the most amazing thing
about Cobb County is the fact thatits always been in the leadershiprole. In other words, it has alwaysoutshined any of the surroundingcounties from the standpoint ofleadership and clean government,not always what we want, buttheres been very little corruption inthis county, and I think that has alot to do with the leadership.
community
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has a vibrant downtown with incredible dining and shopping opportunities. We have
award-winning neighborhoods andour community is wonderful.
- Mayor Tommy Allegood
community
Juliana Spivey,4, laughs as herfather, ShaySpivey of Ac-worth, pushesher on theswings atCauble Park inAcworth.
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Where Shopping is anExperience You Will
Remember!
Mariettas Most CompleteSelection of Unique Gifts
and Decorator Items
New Merchandise Arriving Weekly!
800 Whitlock AvenueSuite 201
Marietta, GA 30064Adjacent to Gabriels
770.499.6015 mag nol iaro omant iques.com
community
Acworth is Cobbs northernmost city and home to more than
20,000 residents.
The city is governed by the mayor and its Board of Aldermen, though the mayor only votes
in case of a tie. The city manager oversees day-to-day operations.
The city was incorporated in 1840. The Dixie Highway, known as the granddaddy of Inter-
state 75, was the first interstate to reach into the south and is Acworths Main Street.
Acworth is designated as a Georgia Main Street city and is part of the Main Street America
program. As a result, the city aims to preserve the historical significance of its downtown dis-
trict buildings.
Two lakes, Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, surround the city and offer beaches, fishing,
boating and camping. There are also twelve parks that surround Acworth for picnicking. Nes-
tled along the banks of Lake Acworth is Cobblestone Golf Course.
Left, the classic rail car in down-town. Above, Mayor TommyAllegood.
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Acworth City Hall is at 4415 SenatorRussell Ave., Acworth, 30101.(770) 974-3112www.acworth.org
The Board of Aldermen meets at 7p.m. the first and third Thursday of everymonth at City Hall, in the council cham-bers.
Tommy AllegoodMayor(770) [email protected]
Gene PuglieseAlderman(678) [email protected]
Bob WeatherfordAlderman(770) [email protected]
Albert (Butch) PriceAlderman(770) [email protected]
Tim RichardsonAlderman(770) [email protected]
Tim HoustonAlderman(770) [email protected]
Wayne DennardChief of Police [email protected]
Places of interest: Downtown historicdistrict. Acworth has four beaches and12 parks.Annual events: Largest womens
triathalon in Georgia, August; Taste ofAcworth, October; International wake-board tour, May. A bit of history: Acworth started as alittle railroad town, and the city be-cameAcworth in 1860. There are more than300 historic buildings in the city.Whats new in Acworth: Re-develop-ment program to bring people to live indowntown Acworth.
Estimated population: 20,425Median age: 33.4 yearsHousehold Populations: 7,206Average Household Size: 2.67Total Housing Units: 8,136Owner-occupied Housing Units:5,094Renter-occupied Housing Units:2,112Vacant Housing Units: 930Labor Force: (16 years and older):10,352Median Family Income: $55,355
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 20
The Oak Barrel is just one of the many businesses indowntown Acworth.
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Austell is Cobbs smallest city, with just over 6,000residents. Nestled along the countys southernborder with Douglas County, the city is knownfor railroads, its natural-gas system, and the Sweetwa-
ter Creek, which winds through the city.
Joe Jerkins has been the mayor of Austell for more
than two decades. In September 2009, torrential rains
pushed the creek over its banks and flooded several
homes and businesses, and the city is still recovering.
For the fiscal year started July 1, the city approved a
tax increase to help finance its $5.72 million budget.
Im in my 23rd year and havent increased taxes,
but this is a small amount, Jerkins said. We had no
choice.
The city will soon see a nine-hole disc golf course at
Louise Suggs Memorial Park on Spring Street. And the
$8,000 cost will come not from the public, but from in-
terest earned on the citys $5 million Norfolk Southern
railroad fund.
Austell has low taxesand we provide as many services as any other city. Weare about
. We are a small town,and everybody is friendly.
- Mayor Joe Jerkins
The new senior center in Austell.
community
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232 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
Austell City Hall2716 Broad St., Austell, 30106www.austell.org
City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday ofevery month in the council chambers of City Hall.
Joseph L. Jerkins Mayor
Martin StandardWard 3 (678) [email protected]
Virginia A. ReaganWard 4 (770) [email protected]
Trudie A. CauseyAt-Large, Post 1 (678) [email protected]
Suzanne A. ThomasonAt-Large, Post 2 (678) [email protected]
R. G. StarrettPolice Chief (770) [email protected]
Timothy J. WilliamsFire Chief(770) [email protected]
Places of interest: Six Flags Over GeorgiaAnnual event: Christmas tree lightingA bit of history: Austell was known SaltSprings, and was popular with hunters whocame to shoot deer as they made their way tothe salt licks.Famous residents: Louise Suggs, profes-sional golfer who helped found the LPGA;singer/songwriter Ray Stevens.
Estimated population: 6,541Median age: 30.7 yearsHousehold Populations: 2,195Average Household Size: 2.91Total Housing Units: 2,370Owner-occupied Housing Units: 1,411Renter-occupied Housing Units: 784Vacant Housing Units: 175Labor Force: (16 years and older): 3,306Median Family Income: $44,583
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
community
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Kennesaw has a rich history dating back to the Civil War, which we showcase through a focus on
historic preservation as well as through our Smithsonian-affiliated Southern Museum. We
balance that with a thriving business community, attractive neighborhoods, and abundant recreationalresources, all of which pave the way for a progressive future.
- Mayor Mark Mathews
community
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Opening
August 2012
Come Experience an Unparalled Quality of LifeSterling Estates offering Independent and Assisted Living!Sterling Estates Senior Living Community features six Independent Living Cottage Homes, each with two spacious apartments on their
own private level, and 90 Assisted & Independent Living Suites in the main residence, all situated on ten, beautifully landscaped acres
in the East Cobb. Sterling Estates features its own club-style Wellness Center, comprising more than 5,000 sq.ft. of exercise area, fitness
equipment, and a spacious, indoor, heated aerobic pool with programming and staffing designed specifically for seniors to stay active &
independent. Locally developed, owned & managed, Sterling Estates partners with local businesses & residents to keep our East Cobb
economy growing strong. Sterling Estates has been carefully designed to provide the lifestyle, amenities & services we desire for our own
parents & loved ones.We invite you and your family to come learn more about our community. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
Sterling Estates... Life in East Cobb just got even better!Locally Developed, Owned & Managed
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Marshall Gill, Executive Director,or Sharon Egitton, Assistant Executive Director, at 678.946.4454
We invite you to come experience the Sterling Way!
252 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
The city of Kennesaw today has nearly 30,000 res-idents and is perhaps best known for Kennesaw State University
and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History.
The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city, but only votes
in case of a tie. All five city council members are elected citywide.
The town was originally known as Big Shanty and was one of
several small towns founded in the mid-1800s after a railroad line
was built to connect Terminus (Atlanta) to Cartersville.
One other aspect of the city also comes to mind when many
think of Kennesaw, and that is the citys gun law. In 1982, the city
unanimously passed a law requiring every head of household to
maintain a firearm together with ammunition.
And thats still a law in the saw.
Whats new: Weekly Dinner at the Depot. Every Mondayevening, weather permitting, about a half dozen foodtrucks congregate in Depot Park downtown for folks topick up dinner and picnic, if they wish. The city also hasplans for a skate park to be built inside Swift-CantrellPark. It will contain elements modeled on a competitivestreet skate park plaza design.
Mayor Mark Mathews, foreground, touts the city on itspast and its future. Opening page: Photos from the Smith-Gilbert Gardens, the museum and the Trackside Grill.
community
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Kennesaw City Hall2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave., Kennesaw, 30144770-424-8274www.kennesaw-ga.gov
City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. thefirst and third Monday of every month inthe council chambers of City Hall.
Mark Mathews, [email protected]
Cris Eaton-WelshCouncil Post 1, Mayor Pro [email protected]
Tim KillingsworthCouncil Post 2 [email protected]
Bruce JenkinsCoucil Post [email protected] ThrashCouncil Post [email protected]
Jeff DuckettCoucil Post 5 [email protected] WestenbergerChief of Police(770)[email protected]
Places of interest: Southern Museumof Civil War and Locomotive History;Smith-Gilbert Gardens, a 16-acre arboretum. Annual events: The Big ShantyFestival, conducted in April; Pigs &Peaches BBQ Festival is the Georgia
State Championship BBQ cook-off. A bit of history: In the 1830s, theGeorgia legislature authorized the con-struction of a rail line through CobbCounty, and the town of Big Shanty wasfounded. During the Civil War, the townbecame famous as the site of the startof the Great Locomotive Chase, inwhich the locomotive General wasstolen by Yankee soldiers hoping to dis-rupt Confederate supply lines.
Estimated population: 29,783Median age: 31.2 yearsHousehold Populations: 10,587Average Household Size: 2.67Total Housing Units: 11,662Owner-occupied Housing Units:7,310Renter-occupied Housing Units:3,277Vacant Housing Units: 1,075Labor Force: (16 years and older):16,055Median Family Income: $61,355
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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WEST COBBS FUNERAL HOME OF CHOICE
Proudly Serving Cobb County and SurroundingCommunities for the past 17 years
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDOn-Site Crematory
At West Cobb Funeral Home, we are committedto providing the most complete services available
to the families of this community. See why more families are choosing
our home, our services and our facilities.David W. Roach,Owner
Chris Messina,General Manager
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We have one of the most active squares in the world. The eventswe host draw
We are rich in history and havebeautiful historic homes and abeautiful national and
Confederate cemetery.- Mayor Steve Thunder Tumlin
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292 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
Marietta is 15 miles northwestof Atlanta and the Cobb County seat. At 23
square miles, Marietta is one of Georgia's most
populous cities, with more than 56,000 residents
calling the city home.
City Hall is overseen by the mayor and seven-
member city council, though the mayor only
votes in case of a tie. A city manager oversees
daily operations of the city.
The social center of the city is the Marietta
Square, where commerce thrives amid regular
public concerts and other activities.
The county seat of Cobb has a rich history, and
has risen from ashes. In 1851, the Georgia Mili-
tary Institute was built on Powder Springs Road
in Marietta, and the city was booming as the
Civil War began in 1861.
But during the summer of 1864, Union forces
under Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman occu-
pied the town and for the next five months, pil-
laged by day and ravaged by night before it was
finally burned during the march to the sea.
Marietta City Hall205 Lawrence St., Marietta, 30060770-794-5506www.mariettaga.gov
City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondWednesday of every month in the councilchambers of City Hall.
Steve TumlinMayor770-794-5501 [email protected]
Annette P. LewisWard [email protected]
Griffin L. ChalfantWard [email protected]
Johnny V. SinclairWard [email protected] 4 To be decided July 31
Anthony C. ColemanWard [email protected]
Jim W. KingWard [email protected] M. GoldsteinWard [email protected]
community
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2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 30
Daniel Flynn, Police [email protected]
Jackie Gibbs, Fire [email protected]
Places of interest: The MariettaSquare, historic Kennesaw andWhitlock Avenues, White Water.Annual events: A Taste of Marietta,April; July 4 Parade; MUST MinistriesThanksgiving Gobble Jog. A bit of history: As the county seat,
Marietta is a central point in Cobb. It was in-corporated in 1834 and today boasts six his-toric districts, a thriving economy and avibrant square. A lot of history is tied to therailroad that goes through the city. Mariettaturned into an industrial city in the 1940s,when the Bell bomber plant, now Lockheed,brought jobs other than agricultural jobs toMarietta.Famous residents: Gen. Lucius Clay, whowas part of the Berlin Airlift; Alice McClellanBirney, founder of the Parent Teacher Associ-ation. Whats new in Marietta: A bike trail fromKennesaw Mountain through the Square allthe way to the Chattahoochee River.
Estimated population: 56,579Median age: 31.7 yearsHousehold Populations: 23,285Average Household Size: 2.39Total Housing Units: 26,896Owner-occupied Housing Units: 10,426Renter-occupied Housing Units: 12,859Vacant Housing Units: 3,611Labor Force (16 years and older): 33,203Median Family Income: $45,233
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Fun, food and family-friendly? Yes, weretalking about the annual Taste of Marietta, which draws thousands to thesquare.
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is a delightful city with lots of community events, a city trail system,
parks, rich history and new developments.Mayor Pat Vaughn
Powder Springs City Hall4484 Marietta St., PowderSprings, 30127770-943-1666www.cityofpowdersprings.org
City Council meets at 7 p.m.the first and third Monday ofevery month in the councilchambers of City Hall.
Patricia Vaughn [email protected]
Cheryl SarvisWard 1 770-943-8001 ext. [email protected]
Al ThurmanWard 2770-943-8001 ext. 323
Nancy HudsonWard 3 770-943-8001 ext. [email protected]
Rosalyn G. NealPost 1 At Large770 943 8001 ext. [email protected]
Chris Wizner Post 2 At [email protected]
Charlie SewellChief of Police [email protected]
MayorPatVaughnand thecitys re-vitalizeddown-town.
community
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1130 Whitlock Avenue Marietta
770.424.49242950 King Street Smyrna
770.435.4467
W W W. C A R M I C H A E L F U N E R A L H O M E S . C O M
We are proud to be a locally owned and operated firm, andwe feel that we have a good relationship with the folks inour community. For over thirty years, Randy Carmichaeland staff have stressed the importance of providingexcellent service to the families of Cobb County.
GEORGIA FUNERAL DIRECTORSASSOCIATION
NATIONAL FUNERAL DIRECTORSASSOCIATION
SELECTED INDEPENDENTFUNERAL HOMES
332 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
Places of interest: Silver CometTrail, Linear ParkAnnual events: July 4 celebra-tion, Powder Springs Day inOctoberA bit of history: First name wasGunpowder Springs, thenSpringville, and later PowderSprings. Many years ago, peopletraveled to Powder Springs forthe seven natural springs.Whats new in PowderSprings: Powder Springs hasa new city hall, police station,library and recreation center.The pedestrian bridge wasopened in 2011.
Estimated population: 13,940Median age: 38.9 yearsHousehold Populations: 4,198Average Household Size: 2.76Total Housing Units: 5,555Owner-occupied HousingUnits: 4,218Renter-occupied HousingUnits: 700Vacant Housing Units: 637Labor Force (16 years andolder): 7,844Median Family Income:$61,486
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The City of Powder Springs is in Cobbs
southwest corner, and home to nearly
14,000 people. The city was incorporated
as Powder Springs in 1859.
But it was originally known as the Town of
Springville, which was incorporated in 1838 and
so named for the seven medicinal mineral springs
surrounding the area. The mineral water from
these springs caused the sand around the springs
to turn black like gunpowder. Today, volunteers
from the Seven Springs Historical Society operate
the Seven Springs Museum on Brownsville Road.
In 2009, the city was among portions of south
Cobb County inundated by floodwaters.
City leaders are looking forward to construction
of the $1.4 million Lewis Road extension project,
on which construction is expected to start this fall.
The extension is designed to bring more drivers
downtown by extending Lewis Road northward to
Old Lost Mountain Road.
community
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More than 51,000 people live in the cityof Smyrna, which is also known asthe Jonquil City for the thousandsof jonquils that line its streets each spring.
The mayor and seven-member City Council
govern city operations, though a city adminis-
trator manages daily business. Max Bacon has
been the elected mayor for more than two
decades.
The city of Smyrna was incorporated in 1872.
Among sites in the heart of the city are the
20th Century Veterans Memorial, which is ad-
jacent to the only city-owned public library of
its kind in Georgia. Smyrna provides its own
police and fire protection in the city.
In March 2012, the Taylor-Brawner House and
Brawner Sanitarium, on Atlanta Road, were
named to the National Register of Historic
Places. Brawner Sanitarium is now known as
Brawner Hall.
Smyrna has a hometown feel.Ive lived all my life in Smyrna.Weve had an influx of folks fromall over the world make Smyrnatheir home, but we still have asmall-town feel. Smyrna has alittle bit to offer everyone.
Mayor Max Bacon
community
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SMYRNATOWERS
4000 South Cobb Drive Smyrna, GA 30080
IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR RESIDENCY.Applicants must be
62 years old or mobilityimpaired and meet all other eligibility
requirements.Approved applicants areplaced on a waiting list.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Call 770-435-4010for an application package
Smyrna City Hall2800 King St., Smyrna,30080770-434-6600www.smyrnacity.com
City Council meets at 7:30p.m. the first and third Mon-day of every month in thecouncil chambers of CityHall.
A. Max BaconMayor(770) [email protected]
Melleny PritchettMayor Pro-Tem/Ward 1Councilwoman(770) [email protected]
Andrea BlusteinWard 2
(770) [email protected]
Teri AnulewiczWard 3 (770) [email protected]
Charles WelchWard 4(770) [email protected]
Susan Dease WilkinsonWard 5 (770) [email protected]
Wade LnenickaWard 6 (770) [email protected]
Ron FennelWard 7
(770) [email protected]
Jason LanyonFire Chief/Emergency Management Director(770) [email protected] E. HookPolice Chief(678) [email protected]
Places of Interest: The Market Village in downtown.Annual events: City Birth-day Celebration on the firstSaturday in August; Springand Fall Jonquil Festival;Taste of Smyrna in Septem-ber. A bit of history: Smyrna incorporated in 1872. It wasthe first city north of Atlanta.
In the middle to late 1980s,Smyrna took on a revitaliza-tion of downtown.
Estimated population:51,271Median age: 33.5 yearsHousehold Populations:22,914Average Household Size:2.19Total Housing Units:25,320Owner-occupied HousingUnits: 12,848Renter-occupied HousingUnits: 10,066Vacant Housing Units:2,406Labor Force (16 years andolder): 31,616Median Family Income:$54,603Source: U.S. Census Bureau
community
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2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 36
Colleges1. Kennesaw State
University
2. Southern Polytechnic State University
3. Life University
4. Chattahoochee TechnicalCollege (Mountain ViewCampus)
5. Chattahoochee Technical College (Marietta Campus)
6. Chattahoochee Technical College (South CobbCampus)
Shopping Hotspots1. Town Center at Cobb
www.simon.com
2. Cumberland Mallwww.cumberlandmall.com
3. Merchants Walkwww.edens.com
4. The Avenue East Cobbwww.shoptheavenue.com
5. The Avenue West Cobbwww.shoptheavenue.com
Places of Interest
1. Kennesaw Mountain
2. Marietta NationalCemetery
3. White Water
4. Six Flags Over Georgia5. Marietta Square6. The Big Chicken
Hospitals1. WellStarKennestone
677 Church St, Mariettawww.wellstar.org
Full-service, acute care hospitaland Level II trauma center withopen-heart surgery, womens cen-ter, oncology center & other med-ical specialties. 633 beds.
2. WellStarWindy Hill2540 Windy Hill Rd, Mariettawww.wellstar.org
Long-term acute care facility witha sleep center, outpatient serv-ices, ambulatory surgery & otherspecialized services. 115 beds.
3. WellStarCobb3950 Austell Rd, Austellwww.wellstar.org
Full-service, acute care hospitalwith childrens emergency serv-ices, comprehensive oncology,wound care center & other med-ical specialties. 382 beds.
4. Emory-Adventist3949 S. Cobb Dr, Smyrnawww.emoryadventist.org
A non-profit hospital operated byAdventist Health Systems as ajoint venture with Emory Health-care. 88 beds.
COBBPlaces
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372 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
NEW RESIDENT INFORMATION
Georgia Drivers License
A Georgia drivers license must be ob-tained within 30 days of becoming aGeorgia resident.When: Tuesday-SaturdayWhere: 2800 Canton Road, PiedmontVillage Shopping Center, Marietta, 30066How: Youll need several items to obtainyour new license that include a valid out-of-state license (must be less than twoyears old); your Social Security number;proof of Georgia residency (a bankstatement, utility bill, or employment ver-ification); proof of identity (birth certifi-cate, passport, immigration card, ormilitary identification)More info: www.dds.ga.gov or (770) 528-5400
Registering Your Vehicle
New residents have 30 days toregister their vehicle.When: weekdaysWhere: Cobb County Tag Office,700 South Cobb Drive, Marietta30060How: You must bring originaldocuments to the tag office, in-cluding a valid Georgia driverslicense; a bill of sale/ title foryour vehicle; a Georgia emis-sions certificate; the currentodometer reading; proof of insur-ance in Georgia; and proof ofyour Cobb County residency.More info: www.cobbtax.org
Register to Vote
You must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years oldby voting day, and a legal resident ofGeorgia and the county you register in. How: Mail in an application to register tovote. You can also download an application at www.sos.georgia.gov/elections/vrinfo.htm More info: Call Cobb Elections at (770)528-2581 or visit www.cobbelections.org
Utilities and WaterAustell Water System (770) 819-2302Cobb Water System (770) 423-1000Marietta Power and Water (770) 794-5150Powder Springs Water System (770) 943-8000Smyrna Utility Services (678) 631-5338
ElectricAcworth Power (770) 917-8903Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100Georgia Power (888) 660-5890GreyStone Power (770) 942-6576 Marietta Power and Water(770) 794-5150
community
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2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 38
2680 Cobb Parkway #D Kennesaw, Georgia770-424-9400 www.faithdesignsflorist.net
FFaaiitthh DDeessiiggnnss FFlloorriissttFFaaiitthh DDeessiiggnnss FFlloorriissttFull Service Florist
Weddings Designed to Fit Any BudgetWorldwide Delivery
Unique Custom Designs
GasAustell is the only city in Cobb that
supplies natural gas to residents viaAustell Gas System, (770) 948-1841.Other county residents may contractwith a private marketer. Among thelargest are: SCANA Energy (877) 467-2262Georgia Natural Gas (770) 850-6200Gas South 1 (866) 563-8129. A complete list of all gas providers is atwww.psc.state.ga.us
CableAll Cobb residents contract with
individual companies. Major providers are: Bellsouth Multimedia (770) 360-5000,Comcast 1 (800) COMCAST,Direct TV (888) 777-2454 Dish (800) 825-2557.Trash and Recycling
Unincorporated CobbResidents must contract with aprivate hauler.
AcworthTrash pickup twice weekly by AcworthSanitation. No curbside recycling.(770) 917-8903AustellTrash pickup each Monday by the cityof Austell, (770) 944-4336. Recyclingpickup each Wednesday through Republic Services. (770) 948-5069KennesawTrash and recycling pickup weekly bythe city of Kennesaw. (770) 421-8552MariettaTrash and recycling pickup weekly bythe city of Marietta. (770) 794-5595Powder SpringsTrash and recycling pickup weekly bythe city of Powder Springs.(770) 943-8010SmyrnaTrash and recycling pickup weekly bythe city of Smyrna. (770) 431-2850
NEW RESIDENT INFORMATION
Cobb has dozens of parks. Here, at Hickory Hills Park, Raivyn Lee, 3, helpsher 2-year-old cousin, Dallas Lee, during a race while attempting to bal-ance an egg on a wooden holder.
community
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392 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
Cobb RegionalRepublican Women
Working Women to WIN
Contact: Neva LentE-mail: [email protected]: (443) 324-5522
Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, serving themetro area for over fifty years, is devoted to delivering the highestlevel of service and satisfaction possible to families. We arecommitted to excellence daily by each member of our staff. As anhonored Dignity Memorial provider, we are empowered tocreate a meaningful service.
2000 Cobb Pkwy SE Marietta, GA 30060770.432.0771 770.952.4478
www.georgiamemorialpark.comAl Harris - General Manager Paula Kirchhofer - Sales Manager
Contact us to find out how a Dignity MemorialProvider can be of benefit to your family andreceive a valuable Personal Planning Guide.
Cobb County Animal Control1060 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta, 30008(770) 499-4136Tuesday through Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m. 5 p.m.
Humane Society of Cobb County148 Fairground St. SE, Marietta, 30060770-428-9882www.humanecobb.comAdoptions are by appointment
Good Mews Cat Adoption Center736 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A3, Marietta, 30068770-499-2287Goodmews.orgAdoptions are Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. andmost Sundays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Mostly Muttswww.mostlymutts.orgAdoptions are every Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.,at PetSmart, 860 Cobb Place Blvd., Kennesaw
Georgia House Rabbit Society2280 Shallowford Rd., Marietta, 30066678-653-7175www.houserabbitga.com
Animals Deserve Better Inc.770-402-0297www.animals deservebetter.comAdoptions are every Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., at PetSmart, 1285 Johnsons Ferry Rd., Marietta
PET ADOPTION
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Cobb has a rich in a history of not only producing, but also being home to dozens of
influential and notable people.We cant fit them all in, but here is a quick look at some
of our countys finest exports the last few decades.
eennoowwnneeddrreessiiddeennttss
R
The multi Grammy-award winning, Dove-award winningChristian rock band Third Day, above, is from Cobb. The bandgot their start at McEachern High in Powder Springs and havesince taken the Christian music scene by storm recording sev-eral albums including two which went platinum embarkingon several world tours and having numerous hits on Christianradio stations.
On the country scene, there is Travis Tritt. Thesinger-songwriter has had a ton of hits on thecountry charts and still tours regularly. Tritt haswon several Grammy awards and has severalplatinimum albums and chart toppers under hisbelt. All in all, he has charted more than 40times and had five No. 1 hits.
music music
Kenny Leon has also made his mark. The Vinings resident hasdirected on Broadway, directed television shows and been nomi-nated for prestigious Tony awards. Who has he worked with?Denzel Washington, Sean Combs and Phylicia Rashad just toname a few.
arts and culture
16755085:FB 2012(40) 7/11/2012 5:55 PM Page 40
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enownedresidents
Of course, Cobbs most famous export is the red-headedstarlet Julia Roberts, who hails from Smyrna. Need wesay more?
tv and cinema
Home and garden andmakeover merlin heart-throb Ty Pennington isfrom Cobb and his motherstill practices psychiatry inthe greater Atlanta area.
tv and cinema
In the sports arena, natives have achieved national and international success including, tennis pro MelanieOudin, above, Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates,below, and PGA star Larry Nelson.
spor ts
Other names of note include UGA quarterback and NFL vet-eran Eric Zeier, Pittsburgh Steeler Jonathan Dwyer andcurrent Atlanta Hawk Al Horford. And then there is AtlantaBraves phenom Jason Heyward, below, who has been aforce for the home team the past two seasons.
community
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2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 42
Here are just four ofthe latest high-profilepolitical leaders thecounty has producedon the state and na-tional scene. Alsonotable but not pic-tured, Gen. LuciusD. Clay led thefamed Berlin Airliftduring the Cold War.Clay, who remains alegendary figure toGermans and Amer-icans, was militarygovernor of Berlinand U.S. Com-mander-in-Chief inEurope during thatareas tenuous post-World War II setting.
pol i t ical and government
Watch the Food Network?Then youve probably seen thefoodie mad genius AltonBrown. Brown, above, has ahome in Marietta. Other notable entertainmentpersonalities include CNNsHolly Firfer and The WeatherChannels Jen Carfagno.
U.S. Sen.Johnny Isakson
Former Gov. Roy BarnesCurrent state Attorney Gen-eral and former Cobb CountyChairman Sam Olens
Former congressman, speaker ofthe House and GOP presidentialcandidate Newt Gingrich
tv and cinema
16755087:FB 2012(42) 7/15/2012 11:38 PM Page 42
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Expanded Facilities to Better Serve You Near Kennestone Hospital Comfortable Home Atmosphere Plenty of Off-Street Parking No Closing Hours 2 On-Premises Kitchens On-Premises Flower Shop Monuments (Bronze, Marble, Granite) Charter Member, Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia Member, Georgia Funeral Directors Association Member, National Funeral Directors Association.
777700--442277--8844447711440088 CCaannttoonn HHwwyy.. NNEE MMaarriieettttaa,, GGAA 3300006666
OOnn CCaallll TToo SSeerrvvee YYoouurr NNeeeeddss 2244 HHoouurrss AA DDaayy
Independently Owned & Operated Since 1969Family Owned - Gaither D. Pete Peden Jr., Owner/Manager
Licensed Funeral Director - Embalmer - Life AgentPre-Need & Pre-Arranged Funerals/Cremation/Shipping
CCrreemmaattoorryy oonn PPrreemmiisseessMariettas Most Progressive
ALWAYS WITHIN YOUR MEANS
NNoorrmmaann MMeeddffoorrdd--PPeeddeennFFuunneerraall HHoommee && CCrreemmaattoorryy IInncc..
2125 Roswell Road, Marietta 770-565-9696
Convenient local office
Money-saving discounts
Low down payments
Monthly payment plans
24-hour service & claims
Coverage available by phone
Auto Home Boat Cycle
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in allstates or in all GEICO companies. Government Employees Insurance Co. GEICOGeneral Insurance Co. GEICO Indemnity Co. GEICO Casualty Co. These companiesare subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. GEICO auto insurance is not availablein MA. GEICO:Washington, DC 20076. 2007 GEICO. The GEICO gecko Image GEICO I999-2007
432 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
WHERE TO WORSHIP?
St. Ann Catholic Church4905 Roswell Rd., Marietta 30062(770) 552-6400Members: 15,000
Roswell Street Baptist Church774 Roswell St., Marietta 30060(770) 424-9800Members: 9,144
Mount Bethel United Methodist Church4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta 30068(770) 971-2880Members: 9,124
Johnson Ferry Baptist 955 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta 30068(770) 973-6561Members: 7,745
Turner Chapel AME492 North Marietta Pkwy., Marietta 30060 (770) 422-6791Members: 6,517
First United Methodist56 Whitlock Ave SW., Marietta 30064 (770) 429-7800Members: 4,000
First Presbyterian of Marietta189 Church St., Marietta 30060-1629(770) 427-0293Members: 2,400
North Star Church3413 Blue Springs Rd., Kennesaw 30144 (770) 420-9808 Members: 2,300
Liberty Church1285 Cobb Pkwy., Marietta 30062 (770) 423-7316Membership: 2,000
Marietta First Baptist Church148 Church Street, Marietta, 30060Phone: (770) 424-8326Members: 1,750East Cobb United Methodist Church2325 Roswell Rd., Marietta 30062(770) 971-3643Members: 1,000SynagoguesCongregation Etz Chaim1190 Indian Hills Pkwy., Marietta 30068(770) 973-0137Members: 650
Temple Kol Emeth1415 Old Canton Rd., Marietta 30062(770) 973-3533Members: 500
Chabad of Cobb4450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta 30068(770) 565-4412Membership: 200
Here is a guide to some of Cobbs
largest congregations:
community
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C O B B C O U N T Y
D I R E C T O R Y
~EPISCOPAL~ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Founded 1842
The Rev. Roger D. Allen, Rector
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. Morning Prayer
Wednesday Service
5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist and Healing
Sunday Services
8 a.m. Rite I and Holy Eucharist
10:30 a.m. Rite II and Holy Eucharist
www.stjamesmarietta.com
All are welcome here.161 Church Street | Marietta, GA 30060
~COMMUNITY~TRIUMPHANT COMMUNITY
CHURCH
Helping People to Know, Love andFollow Jesus Christ
3100 Joe Jerkins Boulevard
Austell, Georgia 30106
Dr. Robert C. Moore, Sr. - Pastor
Sunday Christian Life Classes - 9:00 am
Sunday Worship Celebration - 10:00 am
Wednesday Celebration - 7:00 pm
www.triumphantcommunity.org
www.newbirthcommunity.com
678-797-9960
~EPISCOPAL~ST. CATHERINES EPISCOPAL
CHURCH AND PRESCHOOL
The Rev. James Nixon, Rector
The Rev. Susan Johnson, Associate Rector
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
7:30, 8:45, 11:15am
Church School 10:00am
Summer Schedule: 8:00, 10:30am
We Welcome You!Weekly Bible Studies
Youth and Childrens Programs
Wednesday Evening Activities
Preschool for 1s to Pre-K
571 Holt Road | Marietta, GA 30068
770-971-2839
www.StCatherines.org
~METHODIST~KENNESAW UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
Dr. Wallace Wheeles, Senior Pastor
Revive Worship Services
Saturdays at 6pm
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 a.m. - Traditional
9:45 a.m. - Praise Worship
9:45 a.m. - The Rise (Youth)
11:00 a.m. - Traditional
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School for all ages
11:00 a.m. - Childrens Worship
1801 Ben King Rd. | Kennesaw, GA 30144
770-428-1543
www.kennesawumc.org
~BAPTIST~MACLAND BAPTIST CHURCH
Dr. Richard Walker, Senior Pastor
SUNDAY
Early Worship - 8:15am
Sunday School - 9:45am
Morning Worship - 11:00am
Evening Worship - 6:00pm
WEDNESDAY
Evening Meal - 5:30pm
Mid-Week Service - 7:00pm
Girls In Action - 7:00pm
Team Kids (Boys Bible Study) - 7:00pm
Join us for AWANA!
Sundays starting August 12th
4:50 - 7:15pm
For children 2 years old - 12th Grade
(Puggles, Cubbies, Sparks, Truth in
Training, Trek and Journey Clubs)
VBS coming June 2013
3732 Macland Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127
770-943-5511
www.maclandbaptist.org
~METHODIST~FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OF MARIETTA
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
9:00 a.m. - Worship, Sanctuary
10-10:15 a.m. - Holy Communion, Chapel
10:10 a.m. - Sunday School
11:15 a.m. - Worship, Sanctuary
Nursery available - ages birth to 3 yrs.
56 Whitlock Ave SW
Marietta, GA 30064
Phone: 770-429-7800
www.mariettafumc.org
~CHURCH OF CHRIST~CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST
(in Smyrna)
Richard Barnes, Minister
SUNDAY
9:00 AM - Bible Classes
10:00 AM - Worship
5:00 PM - Worship
WEDNESDAY
7:00 PM - Bible Classes
473 Powder Springs St. Smyrna, GA 30082
770-319-7000
www.smyrnacentralcoc.org
~COMMUNITY~TOWN CENTER COMMUNITY
CHURCH
We are a family-orientated mid-sizedchurch located in north east
Cobb County near the intersection ofChastain Road and Canton Highway
1040 Blackwell Road
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 424-4004
Visit:
tccchurch.com
for a current schedule
~SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST~
MARIETTA
ADVENTIST CHURCH
Sabbath (Saturday) Services
9:00AM - First Service, Sanctuary
10:15AM - Sabbath School Classes/
Church at Worship, Classrooms
in the church and school
11:15AM - Second Service, Sanctuary
1330 Cobb Parkway N.
Marietta, GA 30062
www.marietta.netadvent.org
~BAPTIST~
MT. PISGAH
BAPTIST CHURCH
CONNECT COMMIT CHALLENGE
Pastor:
Reverend Michael C. Crawford
SUNDAY
9:45 AM - Sunday School
11:00 AM - Worship Service
5:00 PM - Adult Bible Study
6:00 PM - Evening Worship
WEDNESDAY
7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study
7:00 PM - Mission Friends
7:00 PM - Childrens & Youth
Bible Study
Nursery 0-3 available all services
851 South Gordon Road
Austell, GA
770-948-5443
Located at the intersection ofBlair Bridge and South Gordon Road
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
~ John 3:16
WE INVITE YOU TO COME WORSHIP WITH US
16755090:FB 2012(44) 7/15/2012 11:42 PM Page 44
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Acworth Library4569 Dallas St., Acworth, 30101(770) 917-5165
Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday-Sunday: Closed
Central Library266 Roswell St., Marietta, 30060(770) 528-2320
Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday: Closed
East Cobb Library4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Suite 510-B,Marietta, 30068(770) 509-2730
Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday: Closed
East Marietta Library2051 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta,30068(770) 509-2711Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Gritters Library880 Shaw Park Rd., Marietta, 30066(770) 528-2524Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Hattie G. Wilson Library350 Lemon St., Marietta, 30060(770) 528-2526Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday-Sunday: Closed
Kemp Memorial Library 4029 Due West Road NW, Marietta,30064(770) 528-2527Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Kennesaw Library2250 Lewis St., Kennesaw, 30144(770) 528-2529Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Lewis A. Ray Library4500 Oakdale Rd., Smyrna, 30080(770) 801-5335Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday-Sunday: Closed
COBB LIBRARIEScommunity
16755091:FB 2012(45) 7/11/2012 6:10 PM Page 45
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What makes Cobb great?
Wallace Coopwood ofSmyrna, lobbyist
Cobb County is a wonderfulcounty because Cobb County andespecially Smyrna, Georgia pro-vides a lot of opportunities forthose who are willing to work hardand make the sacrifices thatsneeded to make.
Phillip Colburn of Marietta,
rising sophomore, Marietta High
Ive lived here all my life. One ofthe things that I love is I go tosuch a great school, Marietta,
where Im involved in all kinds ofthings like I play three sports,
football, wrestling and track, and Ialso do our junior ROTC pro-
gram, which is an Air Force pro-gram. Some of the other
things I like is its kind of centrallylocated which means everything
is pretty close. Nothings ex-tremely far away, which means if I
want to go down to Atlanta towatch a Braves game or a Fal-cons game or something I can
shoot right down to Atlanta, or itsnot too long a drive if I want to goup to Chattanooga. Its not very
far from anything.
Pam Flournoy of Marietta,
great grandmother
I love living here. Its becausemy family is here. Three of my
four children live in Marietta withtheir spouses. I also have fourgrandchildren and two great
grandchildren who live in Mari-etta. I am happy to be sur-
rounded by family. The otherreason is I found a church home,Marietta First Baptist Church, andIm active in the church as well as
the Mary and Martha SundaySchool Class, which affords meChristian support and fellowship.My pride in this great community
expands as Cobb County ex-panded to be an education
mecca with varied opportunitiesto work for its residents. I am de-
lighted that I feel as this quotestates: The best things in life arethe people we love, the placesweve been, and the memories
weve made. Im fortunate to livein Cobb, an exciting and expand-
ing county.
Carey Cox of Marietta, loan officer
Of all metro Atlanta counties,Cobb gives you the best servicesfor the lowest taxes. Also a greatvariety of entertainment andrestaurants. A great place to live.
Cindy Suto of Marietta, photographerCobb County offers a wholesome suburbanlifestyle. On a weekend, you can shop at thefarmers market, hike Kennesaw Mountain, walkalong the Cheatham Hill Trail, kayak on theChattahoochee River, bike the Silver CometTrail, and top it off with an event on the Squarein Marietta.
16755092:FB 2012(46) 7/11/2012 6:09 PM Page 46
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Mountain View Regional Library3320 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta, 30066(770) 509-2725Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday: Closed
Powder Springs Library4181 Atlanta Street, Bldg. 1, Powder Springs,30127(770) 439-3600Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Sibley Library1539 South Cobb Dr., Marietta, 30060(770) 528-2520Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday-Sunday: Closed
South Cobb Regional Library805 Clay Rd., Mableton, 30126(678) 398-5828Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday: Closed
Stratton Library1100 Powder Springs Rd., Marietta, 30064 (770) 528-2522Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Sweetwater Valley Library5000 Austell-Powder Springs Rd., Suite 123,Austell, 30106(770) 819-3290Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday-Sunday: Closed
Vinings Library4290 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, 30339(770) 801-5330Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Closed
COBB LIBRARIESWest Cobb Regional Library1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Ken-nesaw, 30152(770) 528-4699Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m. -8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6p.m.Sunday: Closed
Smyrna Public Library* This library is not part of theCobb County system.100 Village Green Circle,Smyrna, 30080-3478770-431-2860
Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Mountain View Regional Man-ager Mike Aiken, left, and
Commissioner Bob Ott in theMountain View library.
community
16755093:FB 2012(47) 7/11/2012 6:08 PM Page 47
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Affordable Fabrics & Trim
Superstore: 770.794.81062440 Canton Road Marietta, GA 30066
www.fabricsandfringe.com
VittlesA REAL SOUTHERN RESTAURANT2579 South Cobb Drive Smyrna, GA 30082
770-433-0047 www.ilovevittles.com
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerMon- Sat 5:50am-8:00pm Sun 7am-3pm
CCeelleebbrraattiinngg 3300 YYeeaarrss!!Special thanks to all our guests for keeping
us in business since August 17,1982!
Get Started for $35!What we offer:
Private/Group Lessons, Wedding Lessons,Facility Rentals & much more!
Type of Dance:Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Swing,
Rumba, Cha Cha, Salsa, Hustle, Samba,Merengue & more!
**No Partner Required**
Marietta Family Law Attorneys
404-969-4505
Were Available to Speak with You Today!
On the Marietta Square at 13 W. Park Sq.
GTHE
GUNN
FIRM
www.TheGunnFirm.com
16755094:FB 2012(48) 7/15/2012 11:47 PM Page 48
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business
16755095:FB 2012(49) 7/16/2012 12:41 PM Page 49
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16755096:FB 2012(50) 7/15/2012 11:48 PM Page 50
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A Kennesaw couple follows their passion to form Velociteach. The result?
A profitable local enterprise that earns them the honorof small business of the year.
AsThe CrowesFLY
business
16755097:FB 2012(51) 7/11/2012 6:06 PM Page 51
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The stress of my (previous) job was so much that I was having chest pains
and I was realizing that I wouldnt survive this much longer, Crowe recalled
of his days as an informational technology project manager.
The Crowes then created Velociteach, a company that teaches project man-
agement. The company recently marked 10 years in business.
Velociteach provides online and live training for people trying to get Project
Management Professional (PMP) certification. The training classes, which are
open to the public, typically last about three days. The company also sells
books on the subject, and licenses its materials.
We help them (complete projects) more efficiently, improve their processes,
understand how to plan a project. We help companies with best practices in
project management, we help them prepare for the PMP certification, he said.
This year, Velociteach was named the 2012 Cobb Chamber Small Business of
the Year.
Each day during that first year, Andy Crowe would sit at a Smyrna coffee
shop and try to collect his thoughts. That same coffee shop is where he also met
his first client, Patsy Ramsey, the mother of slain child beauty queen JonBenet
Ramsey.
Patsy (Ramsey) and I got to be really good friends and she came to me
around Christmas of 2002 and said, I have a dear friend that I want to send
through your class. I said, Patsy, this class is very expensive. Its thousands of
dollars. She said, Its OK, heres your check, Im your first customer, he
said. That was just such a vote of confidence.
Not long after that, Crowe moved the business from his dining-room table at
home to a space off Roberts Boulevard in Kennesaw. In 2007, Velociteach
moved to its current location off Townpark Drive, also in Kennesaw.
The business has grown from five employees to 26 and has served almost
2 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K 52
Ryan ClementExecutive Chef
We cater events in homes, businesses,or event halls. All our meals are
prepared from scratch with the freshestingredients possible.
Weddings Bar Mitzvahs Cocktail Parties Corporate Events
770-485-5543 [email protected]
200,000 clients from Canada to Saudi Arabia
and parts of Africa, Crowe said.
A few of its biggest clients include the
State of Florida, Chick-Fil-A, Home Depot,
FedEx, Siemens, the FBI, Marine Corps, De-
partment of Homeland Security and the
Transportation Security Administration, he
said.
Its been better than we thought, Crowe
said. The minute we launched this, it just
exploded. The book started selling like crazy
and that was just incredible. I had written a
novel before that, which never even got pub-
lished. It was just fun to watch this take off.
Its been good for our family. Its been a
great career, he said. Obviously there are
mistakes that Ive made that I would do dif-
ferent, but I wouldnt change a thing in terms
of how we are structured or what we did.
Bill Yates, director of training, started at
Velociteach in 2005. He is responsible for
developing the course content and working
with the trainers.
This is the best job ever. Its a wonderful
fit. Its so fun for me because theres an as-
pect of consulting that I enjoy, he said. I
love the small-business aspect of having a
real impact on the customers and even the
trainers that we find and recruit. I know that
theyre going to be the face of Velociteach to
the customers.
Chris Goeth, the director of business de-
velopment, said that he not only enjoys
working at Velociteach but that, in a way, his
boss helped save his life.
In 2003, my wife got real ill, real fast and
died, he said. I was a basket case because
my children at the time were 14 and 16 and
it was touch and go for awhile. I wasnt sure
if today was the day I slit my wrist or not.
After a friendly phone call from Andy
Crowe and a weekend trip to a jazz festival
in California, Goeth said he resigned from
his former job and decided Velociteach was
where he wanted to be.
Andy did something for me that nobody
else was able to. He threw me a life ring that
I could really hold onto, he said. Its been
a wonderful ride ever since. In eight years,
there probably havent been five days that I
couldnt stand going to work. How many
men and women can say that? Im perfectly
suited for my role, for the company. Its a
great fit for me.
Andy Crowebusiness
16755098:FB 2012(52) 7/15/2012 11:52 PM Page 52
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532 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
business
The Home Depot* 2455 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, 30339* The Home Depot is the worlds largesthome-improvement specialty retailer.* At the helm: Frank Blake, chairman andCEO* Employees: 331,000 worldwide* 2011 net sales: $70.4 billion * www.homedepot.com
Genuine Parts* 2999 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, 30339* Genuine Parts Company distributes auto-motive replacement parts, industrial replace-ment parts, office products and electrical andelectronic materials. Its perhaps best knownfor NAPA Auto Parts.* At the helm: Thomas C. Gallagher, chair-man and CEO* Employees: 29,800 in north America* 2011 net sales: $12.5 billion * www.genpt.com
Coca-ColaEnterprises
* 2500 Windy RidgeParkway, Atlanta, 30339* CCE is one of thelargest Coca-Cola bot-tlers in the world. It buyssyrup concentrate fromThe Coca-Cola Com-pany and combines itwith the other ingredients. It sells in West-ern Europe, including Belgium, GreatBritain, France, the Netherlands, Norwayand Sweden.* At the helm: John F. Brock, chairman andCEO* Employees: 13,250 worldwide* 2011 revenue: $8.3 billion* www.cokecce.com
FORTUNE 500 companies
John F. Brock
16755099:FB 2012(53) 7/11/2012 6:05 PM Page 53
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Mitzi Smith Moore has a reputation as an accomplished business
owner and dedicated community servant. The surprise comes when
you learn she is also a certified master plumber.
Though her father, Jack Smith, owned a successful Marietta
plumbing company, Moores early career goals did not include join-
ing his company. However, a divorce and dire financial circum-
stances changed her view and altered her course.
Two decades ago, the newly divorced homemaker and mother of
two found herself alone and in need of a job that would support her
and her young children.
I really wanted to go back to school to become a teacher, but I
stopped short when I realized I had to go back to work. But all of
the jobs I interviewed for required me to travel, Moore said.
With limited choices, Moore went to work for her father on a part-
time basis.
of pipes andperseverance Meet Mitzi Smith Moore, owner of Sundial
Plumbing and one of Cobbs Power Women
Much to her surprise, she really liked the job.
For the first time, I realized just all of the
jobs my dad did and it was fascinating,
Smith said.
She eventually asked her father if she could
run the company and he matter-of-factly said,
Sure. Go get your plumbing license.
Fifteen years ago, the self-described girly-
girl did just that. For five years she drove the
trucks, wore mud-caked coveralls and trained
to become a certified master plumber.
I underestimated what I could do, she said.
When Moore went on service calls, her gen-
der always garnered comments, she said.
business
16755100:FB 2012(54) 7/11/2012 6:05 PM Page 54
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* Mortgages
* Checking* Savings* Loans
* Credit Cards* Remote Deposit* Online Banking
678-569-42503411 Ernest Barrett Parkway
Marietta 30064
770-333-07721298 Concord Road
Smyrna 30080
www.highlandcommercialbank.com
Knowledge, accuracy, and good old fashion service. Come experience
the power of community banking.
Your complete source forpersonal or commercial banking:
Some laughed, some insulted, some ignored
me. ... I have been asked to leave more than
once. Some said that they wanted a real
plumber.
She actually witnessed more bias from
women than men, she said.
Jack Smith eventually sold his company and
together, they opened Sundial Plumbing in
1999. The same year, her father retired and
Moore purchased the company and became
president.
Today the privately owned company has 44
employees, owns 28 trucks and has annual rev-
enues of $4 million. Sundial is still located in
the 13,000-square-foot facility on Old Highway
41 where her father started his plumbing busi-
ness in 1972.
Jack Smith describes his daughter as tire-
less.
Mitzis tireless energy and dedication have
been there since she was a little girl, he said.
Her accomplishments and public service have
made a huge positive impact and will, I expect,
continue to do so.
As for what is next, Moore says that because
of the recession, annual growth has not been as
strong she would have liked, but she is opti-
mistic about the future.
Because of Sundials phenomenal customer
retention rate, I expect large growth in our cus-
tomer base in the future, she said.
Shan Cooper,Lockheed MartinAeronautics vice
president andgeneral managerfor the Marietta
plant.
Sylvia E. Russell,
president AT&TGeorgia
Kim Gresh, president of S.A.
White Oil Company in
Marietta.
Tammy Cohen,president of Info-Mart, a security
screening companyin Marietta.
16755101:FB 2012(55) 7/11/2012 6:04 PM Page 55
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business
was nearing the end of a three-year stint with the Navy
when a friend called to say a Japanese company was look-
ing for a textile engineer for its future zipper plant in
Macon. Gregorys wife, Glenda, was a Macon native, so
he pursued an interview.
When he went to the factory site to meet with Japanese-
owned YKK Corp., he admits he hardly knew where
Japan was on a map.
It all seemed so foreign, and I did not think it was a
good fit, Gregory said.
But a follow-up interview with then-company President
Yoshinori Kitano in New Jersey sealed his future.
He was a strong leader and a bright man, Gregory
said.
He accepted the job and has spent the majority of his ca-
reer with the global zipper, fastener and architectural
products manufacturer. The private conglomerate has
39,000 employees and 109 companies in 71 countries.
Gregory, a native of Eatonton, spent his early years with
the company diligently studying Japanese at night.
About 15 years ago I had an epiphany, he said. I
made a decision to stop studying Japanese and focus on
being a good businessman.
Gregorys distinctly Southern accent proved to be no
barrier for his climb up YKKs corporate ladder. After
multiple promotions, in 2002, he was selected as president
and CEO of YKK Corp. of America. Two years later, he
became the first non-Japanese group officer for YKK
Corp. of Japan. In 2011, he was elected chairman of the
board of directors, again being the first non-Japanese per-
son in the position. Today, he reports to the president of
YKK Corp. in Tokyo.
YKK Corp. of America initially made four types of zip-
pers for clothing. The company later expanded into fas-
teners for a variety of goods, including luggage, medical
equipment and automotive products. In the early 1980s,
the company began manufacturing architectural products,
including aluminum window frames, a category of prod-
ucts that now accounts for two-thirds of its sales.
YKK Corp. of America has been headquartered off
Franklin Road in Marietta since 2001. Gregorys team
oversees 14 companies in North and Central America.
Headquarters of two manufacturing subsidiaries also are
in Cobb. YKK (U.S.A.) Inc., the fastener manufacturing
group, has been on Cobb Industrial Drive, near Interstate
75 at Canton Road, since 1970. Austell has the headquar-
ters of YKK AP America Inc., the architectural-product
manufacturing group.
In 1973, Georgia Techgraduate Alex Gregory
Fastening a firms future
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business
AT FORGED PERFORMANCE IN MARIETTA,
CUSTOMIZING HALF-A-MILLION DOLLAR CARS IS
JUST ANOTHER DAY ON THE JOB
SHIFTING TO SUCCESS
by michael pallerino
16755104:FB 2012(58) 7/11/2012 6:19 PM Page 58
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592 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
After seven years of doing the corporate America thing, the
self-admitted car junkie went from reporting to work each day
for a Fortune 50 company to setting up shop literally in
his garage.
Sharif, owner/general manager and a certified tuner for
Forged Performance in Marietta, knew that the corporate world
wasnt for him. So the Southern California native, who grew up
dreaming of fancy cars, decided to quit his corporate gig at Nes-
tle and follow his passion. The move was inspired by the advice
his parents had given him as a child. Dont focus too much on
the money, he recalls them telling him. Do the best job you
can do with something you enjoy something you are passion-
ate about and the money will come.
So cars it was. Already working nights and weekends tuning
high performance vehicles on his own and as a freelancer for
other shops, Sharif moved his operation from his garage in
Charlotte to the Atlanta area, where he saw a greater level of op-
portunity and talent.
Today, his full-service parts, distribution, installation, tuning
and fabrication facility is one of the premier Nissan, Subaru,
Mitsubishi and Porsche specialty shops in the country. The com-
pany, founded in 2004, has grown into a 17-person team of mo-
torsports enthusiasts dedicated to personalizing, upgrading and
modifying highline performance cars.
The key to success is to have the best people around you
and thats what I have, Sharif says. We are passionate about
high-performance racing. Its not a job to me. Its something I
am very passionate about. Theres nothing routine or generic
about what we do. Every day, I am surrounded by awesome ma-
chines, and I never find myself looking at the clock to see what
time it is.
Over the past few years, in a too-challenging-for-words
economy, Forged Performance continues to grow, posting a 30
percent increase each year since 2005. And if thats not impres-
sive enough, Sharif is expanding his companys services into
parts development and manufacturing products such as sway
bars, intakes and roll bars. This will make us even more of a
resource, he says. Now we can test each product and make
sure they are the best out there.
Sharifs fast track ride to success seems to be getting faster.
Today, in addition to handling the daily operations at Forged, he
is one of the only tuners in the country that knows the ins and
outs of the Nissan GT-Rs complex engine and transmission
control systems. Its not uncommon for his clients to dispatch
him worldwide to faraway places such as Dubai and Panama.
And if thats not enough, he is a decorated racer, having held
class track records at Road Atlanta, Carolina Motorsports Park,
Virginia International Raceway and Sebring International Race-
way. In addition, Sharif is a licensed driving instructor for
NASA, PCA and other prestigious motorsports groups.
Those musthave been reallysomething for Sharif Abdelbaset.
business
Owner Sharif Abdelbaset started Forged Performance in hisgarage before working his way up to the current location, 498Cobb Parkway South in Marietta.
16755105:FB 2012(59) 7/11/2012 6:18 PM Page 59
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business
Employers in CobbThe Home Depot 20,000
Cobb County Schools 14,027
WellStar Health System 11,785
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 7,568
Cobb County Government 4,162
Kennesaw State University 3,400
Publix Supermarkets 2,973
Wal-Mart 2,750
Six Flags Over Georgia 2,386
The Kroger Company 2,150
Cobb Chamber of Commerce
Above, Kennesaw State University does notonly contribute to the educational com-munity in Cobb, but to the job market aswell. Below, Lockheed Martin has a stronghistory of business in Cobb. Below right,The Home Depot assistant managersAndre Johnkins of Douglasville, left, andNita Nettles of Austell stand outside of theirDallas Highway store in Marietta.
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612 0 1 2 F A C T B O O K
business
Osmotica PharmaceuticalProfile: A global pharmaceutical company specializing indrug delivery technologies and neurology based therapies.The company has a special focus on Parkinson's disease.
Number of employees: 144.
Locations: Marietta; Wilmington, N.C.; Budapest;Buenos Aires
Why they chose Cobb: The areas skilled workforce and thesupport of the city, county and state.
NovelisProfile: Worlds largest producer of rolled aluminum and theglobal leader in beverage can recycling.
Number of employees: 70.
Locations: The Kennesaw office, near Barrett and CobbParkways, is a research and technology center. Headquartersare in Buckhead. The company has offices in several nations.
Why they chose Cobb: Its only 25 minute drive from ourheadquarters and its really important to have alignmentbetween our leadership organization and the other functionsof the company, spokeswoman Fiona Bell said.
These businesses have recently moved to Cobb
16755107:FB 2012(61) 7/15/2012 11:55 PM Page 61
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During his senior year of college, Ben Speciale sentapproximately 100 letters to Yamaha MarineGroup seeking a job upon graduation. With eachrejection letter, he sent another. Shortly after he gradu-
ated in 1987, his persistence paid off and he was offered
an entry-level marketing job.
Today, Speciale is president of Yamaha Marine Group
and says leading one of the worlds top marine-engine
brands is a dream job.
He grew up working on boats at his familys marina
and resort on Tennessees Watts Bar Lake. Their home
was also on the resort, which is between Chattanooga
and Knoxville. Speciale, his mother and brother still
own the resort.
We never said it was a job, Speciale said. It was
the way we lived our lives.
That first job with Yamaha Marine took him to the
headquarters in Cypress, Calif. He moved up the ranks
to vice president and, in 2010, he was hand-selected to
succeed Phil Dyskow when he retired as president.
While Speciale was vice president, the company relo-
cated the marine group from California to a 38-acre
campus in Kennesaw. The new headquarters, which
opened in