Police departments fundraise for Special Olympics Georgia ► PAGE 7
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Ukrainian businesses, Johns Creek Chamber explore partnerships By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Amid its ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine’s businesses are alive and in many cases thriving, the country’s delegates said at a Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce meeting June 10. Among the group were representatives of Ecofactor, a Ukrainian electric vehicle charging company. They are considering Johns Creek for the site of a new factory that would employ about 300 workers, said Rodion Borokhovych, chief business development officer. JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
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Shoppers line up to enter Trader Joe’s at 1000 Medley Blvd. in Johns Creek June 11, the store’s opening day.
Customers welcome Trader Joe’s By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On the first day, Trader Joe said let there be snacks. “Oh, I've been praying for this day,” Sugar Hill resident Boo Kirsch Hynes said at the June 11 opening of Johns Creek’s first Trader Joe’s. With a cart full of artisanal snacks and bright-eyed grin, Kirsch Hynes was one of the grocery’s super fans who showed up at 9 a.m. for the store’s first day in business. For many, the 9,240-square-foot lo-
cation at 1000 Medley Blvd., next to the soon-to-be-completed Medley mixed-use center, is a godsend. With a Trader Joe’s in Johns Creek, long drives to Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Norcross and Marietta are a thing of the past. “It’s a big deal,” Kirsch Hynes said. “I’m 20 minutes away. I’m so excited.” Before the doors opened, the excitement was palpable. A line of eager shoppers wound around the building. A DJ flooded the parking lot with bassheavy dance tunes, and lei-wearing staff members offered warm welcomes. Once inside the store, which fea-
tures walls of Johns Creek specific artwork, customers swarmed, filling baskets and carts with the one-of-akind products that have created a cult following for the grocery chain. “I didn't know it was going to be such a zoo,” Kirsch Hynes said. “But it was a fun, delicious zoo.” First opened in 1967 in Pasadena, Calif., Trader Joe’s has become an institution, expanding to more than 40 states. There are at least eight locations in Atlanta.
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From left, Ecofactor representatives Rodion Borokhovych, chief business development officer, and Sergii Velchev, CEO and founder, speak to Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce members during a June 10 meeting.