Cobb County: Championing Prosperity
Workforce, Leadership, Tourism
Cobb County has enjoyed a long streak of economic development successes. But its real achievement lies in the way it sustains and builds on those achievements. Cobb is offering opportunities for professional and leadership development and promoting inclusivity with unity programs for marginalized populations.
Well-Run County: Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Board of Commissioners chair. Photo credit: Kevin Garrett
“There are many exciting initiatives underway in Cobb County and we’re continuing to drive significant economic momentum and growth in all geographic areas of Cobb,” says Sharon Mason, president and CEO of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. She says one of the three pillars of the chamber’s strategic plan, launched in 2023, is to “grow businesses and grow community.” She says Cobb is seeing the proactive efforts to attract, recruit and retain quality jobs. Over the past 12 years, the county has brought in over 48,000 such jobs through its existing business expansion programs and continues to add several thousand a year.
In addition to adding jobs, the county is prioritizing workforce development and supporting small business owners, says Mason, noting that these areas are a “major challenge” for businesses nationwide. One initiative to boost Cobb’s workforce involves expanding career academies at high schools. Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale announced in April 2024 that a second Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy will be located at Allatoona High School. The first was opened by Osborne High School. The tuition-free academy gives students experiential learning and career opportunities through district, post-secondary and industry partnerships.
Similar workforce development programs exist in higher education. For example, the Superior Plumbing VECTR Center on the Marietta campus of Chattahoochee Tech helps veterans transition into civilian careers. “It opened [in 2022] and we’re seeing tremendous results from that,” says Mason, who says the chamber advocated for state funding of the center. “We really appreciate all of our legislators that helped us make that happen,” she says, noting that it’s a win for everyone involved. “Our veterans get the training they need to easily transition from the military to the private sector, but it also helps solve many workforce challenges that companies have been having, as well.”
Great Support System: Sharon Mason, president and CEO of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. Photo credit: Kevin Garrett
In addition to assisting veterans, Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chair Lisa Cupid says the county plans “to broaden procurement opportunities for minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.”
Another project, funded by $2.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding and with the backing of the Board of Commissioners, is the development of a Workforce and Entrepreneurship Center in Mableton. The center, which is the county’s second such facility, occupies the old Cobb fire station on Mableton Parkway. “It is going to meet a very specific need, both on the workforce and entrepreneurship front, as we work to build an ecosystem [of organizations working together to help prepare people for jobs],” says Mason.
Leadership and Advocacy
Meeting Specific Needs: Rendering of the interior of the Workforce and Entrepreneurship Center in Mableton. Photo credit: Cobbworks
The second pillar of Cobb County’s plan focuses on fostering professional and leadership development throughout the community. By building on established, successful programs like Cobb Young Professionals (CYP), the county aims to offer greater opportunities for emerging leaders. One of the new programs, CYP Cultivate, is a six-month leadership and mentoring program that seeks to provide deeper resources, networking and skills training for professionals in their 20s and 30s to prepare them to reach their highest potential within their fields.
Another chamber program offering leadership support is CEO Roundtable, which provides a venue for C-suite executives to meet monthly in an atmosphere that fosters teamwork, goal setting and entrepreneurial thinking.
“We’re honored to continue serving all those roles that help with both professional and leadership development in our community,” says Mason, highlighting the chamber’s dedication to maintaining longstanding programs while also introducing new initiatives.
Welcoming Community: Holly Quinlan, president and CEO of Cobb Travel and Tourism. Photo credit: Kevin Garrett
In 2024, the chamber hosted its first Administrative Professionals Business Mixer, offering receptionists, office managers, administrative and executive assistants both recognition and a support network to share challenges and solutions.
Through such programs, Cobb is cultivating an environment where professionals can connect and seek out mentorship.
The third pillar of the chamber’s strategic plan is advocacy, which supports the military and defense community, advances infrastructure and expands engagement with elected officials. “As a nonpartisan organization, we want to focus on issues and what we can accomplish together at the local, state and federal levels,” says Mason.
Economic Development and Sustainability
Mason is also pleased with the economic development in Cobb County, which is seeing an influx of business headquarters, as well as expansion of some very specialized tech industries. Key sectors include fintech, bioscience, logistics, construction and advanced equipment manufacturing. “This really shows you the great support system companies in Cobb County are seeing,” says Mason.
Hydration drink company BIOLYTE relocated to Marietta in 2022, and a year later, the Cobb chamber named it one of the top 25 small businesses of the year. Also in Marietta is Atlanta United’s Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, the soccer team’s headquarters, which is expanding its facility. Atlanta United’s President and CEO Garth Lagerwey and others in leadership attended the groundbreaking on the $23 million project last July. The expansion, expected to be complete this summer, will nearly double the facility’s size. “We are very excited about this,” says Daniel Cummings, Marietta’s assistant city manager for economic and project development. “Atlanta United has been a huge partner to us, and they’ve been a huge part of seeing the continued redevelopment of the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex.”
Gas South is keeping its Atlanta headquarters in Cobb, relocating in August 2024 to The Battery. The new location offers easy access to the company’s longstanding partner, the Atlanta Braves. Cupid considers the decision to stay local a win, saying “when a business chooses to relocate, they could relocate out of the county.”
Cupid is also pleased the county received a AAA bond rating for the 27th year in a row. “That continues to strengthen our position to be an efficient, well-run county that’s attractive for our business and also for our residents.” The rating reflects and highlights the ongoing work of the finance department and commissioners.
As small businesses and existing industries expand all over Cobb, the county is simultaneously amplifying its industry site visits, conducting over 150 in 2024, according to Mason. The Chamber checks on businesses and then circles back with community partners to address any challenges or concerns. “We want to ensure we’re creating the best business environment for [companies in Cobb County],” explains Mason.
Even as businesses grow, sustainability is always top of mind. To that end, a $500,000 federal grant is helping county officials develop a sustainability action plan. The funding was awarded in July from the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which is part of the $550 million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Cupid says the grant will also fund a mini-CHaRM facility (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) and pay to update 11 electric vehicle charging stations across the county.
Fostering Leaders: Cobb Young Professionals members gather for the CYP Cultivate program kickoff. Photo credit: contributed
Tourist Destination
Soccer Team Headquarters: Atlanta United Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Marietta. Photo credit: contributed
Tourism remains a top economic driver in the county, with its financial impact for 2023 up 8.3% over 2022, totaling $2.6 billion, says Holly Quinlan, president and CEO of Cobb Travel and Tourism. She says Cobb is advocating for locals and visitors alike. “We want to be a welcoming, engaging community that has something for everybody.” In fiscal year 2023, Cobb Travel and Tourism launched “Cobbunity,” an initiative to recognize and showcase the diversity of its residents and visitors. Cobbunity.org is the hub that showcases sensory-friendly and accessible sporting and cultural events around Cobb.
“The Braves are an incredible example of having lots of [ADA] accommodations,” Quinlan says. In July, Truist Park will host the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, which will bring people from all over the world to Cobb County.
Meanwhile, a popular nature area, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, is undergoing an overhaul. The New Day Palisades multiphase project will add landscaping and a new parking lot and improve the park’s river access. In August, the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) broke ground on the $15.8 million rehabilitation project, beginning Phase 1, which should be complete this spring. Phase 2 includes a revitalization of Paces Mill, a 22-acre green space, which is one of the area’s most popular sites. It includes a new visitor information center with restrooms, an open-air facility and improved trails with access to the river. Construction is set to begin in 2026.
Smart Relocation: Gas South moved headquarters to The Battery in 2024 (above). (right) Among the VIPs on hand were (left to right) Cobb Chamber CEO Sharon Mason, Atlanta Braves Development Company CEO Mike Plant, Gas South CEO Kevin Greiner and Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chair Lisa Cupid. Photo credit: contributed.
“It’s going to be really tremendous and will create some great public spaces with updated facilities,” says Quinlan.
Another upgrade along the Chattahoochee – the RiverLands Pilot Project – is centered on creating 2.4 miles of paved and unpaved trails between Mableton Parkway and Veterans Memorial Highway. Phase 1 construction started in spring of 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
“We are proud that we are going to kick off that huge initiative to reimagine what the Chattahoochee River looks like here in the state of Georgia, and in Cobb County, in Mableton, where we have not accessed [the river],” says Cupid.
Phase 2, which is still in the funding stage, includes improvements and bridges between Nickajack Creek and Mableton Parkway.
Tourism projects also bring more jobs. The county has seen a 5.8% increase in tourism-related jobs over the past year, with a reported total of 19,280 jobs, according to Quinlan.
“It’s an incredibly positive message about tourism and hospitality throughout all of Cobb, especially coming back from COVID,” she says.
Staying Sustainable: A federal grant is helping fund a mini-CHaRM facility (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) in the county. Photo credit: contributed
Safe and Expanding Cities
Cobb’s cities include Marietta, Mableton, Fair Oaks, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs and Smyrna.
“It’s just a great time to be in Smyrna, Georgia,” says Mayor Derek Norton. The community, which celebrated its 152nd birthday in October, continues to grow.
Scenery Change: Rendering of the New Day Palisades renovation. Photo credit: contributed
In 2024, the city acquired 9 acres from Smyrna First Baptist Church, which will basically double the size of the downtown, providing space for local businesses, social gatherings and city events. “This is one of the biggest opportunities in the city’s history, and we are really excited about it,” says Norton. This project will take about two years, giving ample time to gain extensive citizen input to ensure the new space meets community needs.
“At the end of the day, we want to get it right, and we want to make sure it’s what the community wants for that space,” says Norton. It will likely be a mix of new restaurants and retail, parking, green space and housing. “We are taking examples from places that have done it right, like Woodstock, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and others,” he says.
The city’s location next to The Battery “has really benefited us as well,” says Smyrna Economic Development Director Andrea Worthy, who says developers are looking to build mixed-use projects to bring new business and residential opportunities.
About 12 miles to the west, Powder Springs, the county’s fastest growing city, is undertaking some key development projects, such as a new downtown park and a brand-new City Hall, slated to be completed in the second quarter of this year. “A good bit of our plan has to do with trying to keep the historic look in the downtown area,” says Mayor Al Thurman, who says the small-town feel is one of the main reasons people move to the city.
That’s why it is balancing expansion with a firm commitment to preserving its charm. “Everything that we’ve done is blending into the historic architecture that was already there. We don’t want to disturb that because it’s one of the small-town features of Powder Springs,” says Thurman.
Adding Amenities: Rendering of the New Day Palisades upgrades, which include new landscaping and improved trails and river access. Photo credit: contributed
Thurman says both commercial and residential growth are booming, with investments exceeding $350 million. Another important initiative involves integrating the Silver Comet Trail with activities and retail shops downtown, creating a more accessible and connected community. “We’re seeing it all come to fruition. I think we really have been blessed,” Thurman says.
In the northern part of the county, the city of Kennesaw, known for its Civil War and railroad history, is improving its botanical garden. Smith-Gilbert Gardens is adding a new pavilion, more paved paths and improvements to the bonsai and butterfly exhibits. It’s expected to reopen this spring.
Fast-Growing County: Powder Springs is building a new City Hall, above, expected to open later this year, according to Mayor Al Thurmond, above right. Mayor photo credit: Woodie Williams
One of Kennesaw’s best-known assets is Kennesaw State University, which has around 45,000 students enrolled in more than 190 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. Not only does the school employ nearly 16,000 people, its advisory board brings community partners together to identify regional needs.
KSU is set to open an interdisciplinary STEM building at its Marietta campus in 2025. The facility will allow students to participate in research with experienced faculty members and promote collaboration among researchers.
Throughout the county, public safety is a huge driver of resident satisfaction. The 2022 launch of the Real Time Crime Center seems to be helping with that. The system uses video from about 400 cameras across the county, and in some instances police can see a crime being committed in real time. The area has seen a 20% reduction in crime this past year.
Gathering Place: Smyrna Village Green Park opened in 2023. Photo credit: contributed
With assets like safer and growing cities, ever-improving tourism and a chamber that fosters mentorship and leadership, Cobb County will likely continue to attract residents, visitors and businesses for years to come.
Local Flavor
Supportive Initiative
Offering Assistance:
Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton. Photo credit: Kevin Garrett
When COVID-19 was in full swing, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton realized that many of his residents needed assistance, including children who had been relying on school lunches, veterans and immunocompromised seniors. Out of those dark times came an initiative called Support Smyrna.The concept was pretty straightforward: Donate $25 and receive a Support Smyrna yard sign. Through these donations and collaborations with local businesses and faith communities, the initiative raised $170,000 to assist community members in need, giving them grocery store gift cards.
Norton also enlisted the help of Smyrna United Methodist Church’s Tillman House and longtime Smyrna resident Rusty Hamlin, restaurant partner and executive chef of Atkins Park, which has locations in Virginia-Highland, West Midtown and Smyrna. Their efforts transformed the restaurant into a community kitchen. Beginning in March 2020, the kitchen began distributing meals through local churches and schools to the food insecure, providing more than 6,000 meals over two months.
“I feel like we were able to balance out some of the difficulties [of not being able to afford food,]” says Hamlin, adding that he made 100 to 200 meals a day during that time.
Once the pandemic wound down, Norton decided to make Support Smyrna a nonprofit to continue to help his community, specifically focusing on seniors, children, families and veterans in need. The move helped expand the group’s mission to include providing clothing, housing and medicine, in addition to food. The organization’s reach extends to over 2,000 homeless children attending Cobb County Schools, with 1,000 of them coming from hotels or motels.
“I had met so many people and realized that there’s so much more need in Smyrna than I ever would have imagined,” Norton says.
The group now collaborates with local schools, the American Legion, faith-based organizations and social workers to identify and address critical needs. “We’ve got boots on the ground here and we can immediately do something, whether it’s gift cards for food, or basic necessities,” says Stacey Scott, a member of its board of directors.
The organization holds several annual fundraising events. Last October, it hosted its first ever Southern Nights Gala, which included food, live music and a silent auction. A second fundraiser in October was the Mayor’s Third Annual Fall Classic golf tournament. And each spring, the 5K Jonquil City Jog gives some of its proceeds to the organization.
“I would say that I’m most proud of my association with Support Smyrna because I can see the difference that it makes within my community,” says Scott.
She describes it as more than a nonprofit, saying “it’s a reminder that, together, we can make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.”
