Cobb in Focus-March:April 2026

FutureDevelopingLeaders

North Cobb Christian School Academy of Business

ATTENTION LEADERS OF COBB!

If you’re reading this, chances are you are a local business owner, industry executive, nonprofit leader, civic/government official, a leader in education, or community organizer. You’re an individual who is among Cobb County’s premier influencers.

Thus, we offer you an opportunity to share your entrepreneurial insights, your business acumen, and your thought leadership with a Leader Profile in  Cobb In Focus. To learn more about our Leader Profile and other advertising possibilities, please contact Publisher Robyn Sobelson at RSobelson@nspmag.com.

Developing Future Leaders

SHARPER FOCUS

Find out what’s going on throughout Cobb County with our news updates.

RECRUITING

The real beginning of hiring isn’t the ad or job posting. It’s the work done long before the ad goes live.

THE DEFINED LEADER

The future of Cobb County will be defined not only by what we build or attract, but by how leaders across business, healthcare, education, and civic life show up in moments of complexity.

New Column! LEGAL LESSONS

All business startups experience the same legal issues that trip up established businesses every single day.

McKenna Farms changes the lives of Cobb children through equine therapy and personalized treatment plans.

BUSINESS

When Morgan Property Partners owners Justin and Brooke Morgan put down roots in Acworth, they found much more than just a neighborhood.

28 INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

The top three strategies you can implement in your business to reduce your commercial auto insurance cost. 30

ABOUT COBB COUNTY

Check out this section with important facts and figures about Cobb, as well as services available to homeowners and business owners.

32 FINAL FOCUS

Whichever way you decide to do it, take the opportunity for a spring reset. You’ll thank yourself later.

The Kids Are Alright

BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE

As you probably know, magazine editors spend a great deal of time seeking out stories — of people, events, businesses, etc. — that not only interest us but that we know would be of interest to our readership. But every once in a while, a story will find us. That was the case with our cover feature on North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) and its Academy of Business program. The school’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Elizabeth Cossick, asked if we would be interested in learning about this program. Obviously, we were, and I know you will find it equally impressive.

What I realized upon reading the profile from our writer, Lindsay Field Penticuff, is that it renewed my faith in our future. To quote The Who’s Pete Townshend, “The Kids Are Alright.” This NCCS Academy of Business and the school’s other academies in arts, STEM, counseling, ministry and education, and exercise and sports science, truly are preparing our youth for the future — their future. For example, beginning on page 22, you can read how the program shaped young Finley Ross into an entrepreneur who is running a successful business while still in college. Truly amazing.

Speaking of young entrepreneurs, Legal Counsel Corrie Thrasher has some great advice for them in her debut column (p. 14). She writes about the main legal pitfalls to avoid when starting a small business and she tells budding capitalists how to start off on the right foot. We’ve enjoyed our initial conversations with Thrasher and cannot wait to see what else she has to say in future columns.

Of course, we’re delighted to present the latest expert advice from our other columnists, Meghan Ritchie, owner of Trustal Recruiting, Vicki Abelson, MBA PCC, founder of The Defined Leader, and Kevin DiPetrillo, a partner at PointeNorth Insurance Group. Once again, it is a distinct pleasure to provide you with the vital information and expertise that only these folks can offer. Enjoy!

Contact Cobb in Focus

We want to hear from you! Share your story ideas and comments with our editor. Visit cobbinfocus.com or send your suggestions to: cspettite@nspmag.com or New South Publishing, Attn: Cory Sekine-Pettite 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30350

New South Publishing Inc.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR

Robyn Sobelson, PhD

VICE PRESIDENT

John Hanna

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Sherry Gasaway

Barb Curry

EDITOR

Cory Sekine-Pettite

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Amy Meadows

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Garon Hart

CONTRIBUTORS

LaRuche Photo, Photography Meghan Ritchie, Contributor

Vicki Abelson, Contributor

Kevin DiPetrillo, Contributor

Corrie Thrasher, Contributor

Lindsay Field Penticuff, Writer

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Megan Willis

CIRCULATION

Amy Fine

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Larry Lebovitz

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SHARPER FOCUS

Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in your community.

Cobb Chamber Names Dennette Thornton the 2025 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year

The Cobb Chamber’s South Cobb Area Council, which represents Austell, Mableton, and Powder Springs, has selected Dennette Thornton of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) its 2025 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year.

The Citizen of the Year Awards are given to outstanding citizens for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live. Awards are given based on local area nominations. The 2025 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year award was presented at the South Cobb Area Council luncheon at the Riverside EpiCenter.

Thornton currently serves as Senior Director of Family

More honorees

At the end of last year, the Cobb Chamber announced the 2025 Citizens of the Year for Austell, Mableton, Marietta, East Cobb, Kennesaw, West Cobb, and Town Center. Learn more about each honoree at cobbchamber.org.

» 2025 Austell Citizen of the Year — Derek Caffe, CAFFE Realty

» 2025 Mableton Citizen of the Year — Jason Gaines, Croy Engineering

» 2025 Marietta Citizen of the Year — Bill Bruton, City Manager, City of Marietta

» 2025 East Cobb Citizen of the Year — Michael Paris, President & CEO, Council for Quality Growth

» 2025 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year — Barbie Brown, The Brown Agency

» 2025 West Cobb Citizen of the Year — Joyette Holmes, Georgia State Board of Pardon and Paroles

» 2025 Town Center Citizen of the Year — President Kat Schwaig, Kennesaw State University

Fund & Engagement at AMBSE, where she leads a nonprofit fund supporting employees in need and advances employee engagement initiatives. She is a founding contributor to AMBSE’s Women’s Associate Resource Group, a board member of Visit Marietta, The Dave Krache Foundation, and LiveSafe Resources, and a volunteer for the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. She earned the South Cobb Area Council Chair’s MVP Award through The Dave Krache Foundation in 2024 for her work as Resource Development Chair, taking the committee and organization to the next level in helping local kids in need play sports.

Publix Super Market Charities Awards Grant to Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta

Habitat for Humanity Northwest Metro Atlanta (NWMA) recently announced its 19-year partnership with Publix Super Markets Charities has grown even stronger through a generous $250,000 grant dedicated to advancing affordable housing solutions across NWMA’s service area.

This investment directly supports Habitat NWMA’s mission to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing. Funds will be used for new home construction, critical home repairs, and community curb appeal projects. With this expanded support, Habitat NWMA is committed to serving 40 families this year through a variety of initiatives, including:

• Affordable homeownership: Building new homes for families in need of quality housing

• Critical home repairs: Preserving existing homes and helping homeowners remain safely in place

• Community curb appeal: Neighborhood revitalization efforts designed to foster pride and stability on local blocks.

The impact of this partnership will be felt throughout Habitat NWMA’s tri-county service area of Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties, where rising housing costs continue to challenge families in some of Georgia’s fastest-growing communities.

“For nearly two decades, Publix has been more than just a donor — they have been a cornerstone of our efforts to build strength and stability through shelter,” said Kyle Huhtanen, CEO of Habitat for Humanity NWMA. “This year’s $250,000 grant is a testament to their servant leadership. It allows us to reach more families than ever before, ensuring that many households have a place to truly call home.”

EXPOSURE METER

YOUR CHANCES TO MEET A FAMOUS WRITER. Celebrated local novelist Karen White is the 2026 literary guest at the 2026 Booked for the Evening Gala from on Mar. 28, 2026, with the Cobb Library Foundation. Event details and tickets: cobblibraryfoundation.org/foundation-gala-2026.

BUBBLES & BREWS IS BACK. Cobb Travel & Tourism’s month-long celebration of local brewers and distillers begins March 1. Learn more and sign up for a digital BrewPass at bubblesandbrews.com.

CONVENTION SPACE IN COBB. The Cobb Convention Center Atlanta (formerly Cobb Galleria Centre) has reopened its exhibit halls following a major renovation. Progress continues on a major expansion of the facility through the first part of 2027. For more information, visit cobbconvention. com/where-it-all-comes-together.

BUSINESS CURRICULUM AT LIFE. Marietta-based Life University recently appointed Cobb residents Bob Bacon, D.C. and Dawn Thomas, D.C. to its College of Chiropractic Advisory Board. The newly formed group will be tasked with strengthening the business curriculum for future chiropractors. Learn more at life.edu.

COURT WAIT TIMES. Cobb County Government has opened the state’s first drive-through court service, offering the public a faster, more convenient way to pay fines. The State and Magistrate Court Clerk’s Office Express will operate from 122 Waddell Street, Marietta. Individuals will be able to pay for traffic citations, school bus arm violations, probation fees, fines, and restitution for cases that do not require a court appearance.

FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS. Journey back in time without leaving East Cobb. Cobb PARKS, Cobb County Public Library, and Cobb County Senior Services are teaming up to bring a brand-new community celebration to the Mountain View area this spring. The inaugural Cobb County Public Services’ Renaissance Faire promises to feel equal parts festival, neighborhood gathering, and storybook adventure. This event takes place Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cobb Collaborative’s Resiliency Week Brings Community Together

Cobb Collaborative successfully hosted Resiliency Week (Feb. 2–7, 2026), bringing together community members, service providers, educators, and local partners for a powerful week of learning, reflection, and connection focused on strengthening resilience across Cobb County.

The initiative was made possible through the support of Wellstar Health System and Resilient Georgia, whose sponsorship helped create accessible opportunities for the community to engage in meaningful conversations around trauma-informed care, mental health, and well-being.

Throughout the week, Cobb Collaborative offered activities and programming for all ages — recognizing that building resiliency is a lifelong skill and practice. From professional trainings and documentary screenings to an interactive playground session for younger community members, the week’s events met participants where they are in their resilience journey.

The centerpiece of the week was the Resilient Cobb Summit, which convened community leaders, service providers, and residents for a half-day of workshops, a panel discussion, and collaborative networking. Participants left with actionable strategies to foster individual and collective resilience, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and center community strengths in their work.

“We were pleased that so many people could join us at the summit this year. Our team worked incredibly hard to bring a high-quality event to the community and we are grateful for all the presenters, exhibitors, and supporters who made it such a great day of learning and action,” said Irene Barton, Executive Director of the Cobb Collaborative. The sentiment was echoed by attendees — one participant shared, “This event was amazing! Great speakers and networking opportunities, and CEU offerings!”

“Resiliency Week reminded us that wellbeing is a shared journey,” said Rae-Anne Pinckney, Director of Community Health Programs & Partnerships at Wellstar. “At Wellstar, we were honored to sponsor a week that brought our community together to pause, reconnect, and strengthen the practices that help us thrive — both individually and collectively.”

Cobb Collaborative noted that together, these efforts reaffirmed that resilience is not built in isolation. It is strengthened through partnerships, education, and collective commitment. By coming together, Cobb County continues to build a stronger, more connected community where individuals and families are supported, informed, and empowered to thrive.

Throughout the week, Cobb Collaborative offered activities and programming for all ages — recognizing that building resiliency is a lifelong skill and practice.

Town Center Community Alliance Adds Five New Members to Board of Trustees

The Town Center Community Alliance recently announced the appointment of five new members to its board of trustees, expanding the nonprofit’s leadership as it advances initiatives focused on quality-of-life enhancements, economic growth, and community connectivity across Town Center.

The new board members — David Black, Stacey Chapman, Laura Gentilello, Marie Hartman, and Kevin Pearson — bring diverse professional expertise and local ties to their seats. Their collective experience spans energy, faithbased leadership, engineering, multifamily housing, and commercial real estate, aligning with the Alliance’s mission to support a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community.

“As Town Center continues to grow as a hub for business, culture, and community life, we are proud to welcome these new leaders to the Alliance board,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement at Town Center Community. “Their experience and passion for service will help strengthen our efforts to create a connected, vibrant district for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

• Black has served as pastor of Grace Church’s Town Center campus for nearly a decade.

• Chapman, principal and senior vice president at CROFT & Associates, brings more than 25 years of industry experience.

• Gentilello is an area director at Walton Communities, where she oversees more than 6,500 apartment homes across metro Atlanta and Augusta.

• Hartman, president of CPS Inc., brings decades of leadership experience across commercial real estate, telecommunications, and health care. She currently manages Class A office properties for CBRE Group.

• Pearson, a Georgia Power executive, brings more than 20 years of experience with the company, where he leads external affairs across the Metro West region.

Town Center Community Launches First Decorative Crosswalk Along Noonday Creek Trail

Town Center Community Improvement District (TCCID) recently announced the installation of its first decorative crosswalk at the intersection of George Busbee Parkway and Town Center Drive, near Town Center at Cobb, marking a new chapter in trail connectivity, pedestrian safety, and placemaking within the district.

The decorative crosswalk is part of a pilot project fully funded by the Town Center Community and is designed to reflect the district’s commitment to strengthening trail connectivity and creating a stronger sense of place throughout Town Center.

Located along the highly traveled Noonday Creek Trail, the installation is the first decorative crosswalk of its kind in Cobb County. The pedestrian crossing introduces vibrant color and artistic design while maintaining full compliance with Cobb DOT and federal roadway standards. This enhancement improves crosswalk visibility for motorists and creates a safer, more engaging experience for pedestrians and cyclists, the TCCID reports.

The Noonday Creek Trail, part of Cobb’s regional trail system, welcomes more than 15,000 visitors each month and connects major destinations, including Town Center at Cobb, Fifth Third Stadium, business parks along Vaughn Road and Roberts Boulevard and Bells Ferry Road. The Town Center Bikeshare program, with six stations located along Noonday Creek Trail, has recorded more than 100,000 rides since its inception, underscoring the growing demand for safe, multimodal infrastructure in the district.

DOT–approved contractor. Cobb DOT has approved the project and will oversee required construction inspections. Thermoplastic roadway markings are engineered to last approximately three to five years, depending on traffic volumes and weather conditions.

The project exemplifies the district’s continued investment in connectivity, public space and highquality infrastructure that supports residents, employees, students and visitors, the TCCID says. The pilot period will allow the district to evaluate longevity, visibility and overall impact before considering additional installations at other trail crossings. If successful, additional Noonday Creek Trail crossings within the district may be enhanced in future phases. Community feedback is welcome on the Town Center Community website: towncentercid.com/decorative-crosswalk. •

“This pilot project represents the intersection of safety, innovation and identity,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of TCCID. “With this installation along Noonday Creek Trail, we are improving safety while also reinforcing Town Center as a connected, forward-thinking district that values mobility and sense of place.”

The crosswalk is constructed using a durable roadway thermoplastic material installed by a Cobb

Reduce Turnover With The ‘Secret Sauce’ — Preparation!

BY MEGHAN RITCHIE, OWNER – TRUSTAL RECRUITING

Building a strong team takes more than finding the right hire. Many organizations suffer loss from turnover. Why? Because the typical small to mid-sized business treats hiring like a transactional checkbox instead of a strategic, end-to-end process.

Companies spend thousands on job boards and recruiters, only to scramble later when the new hire doesn’t work out. The instinct to “post the ad, see who shows up and hire a warm body” is common, but it’s also costly — and avoidable.

The real beginning of hiring isn’t the ad or job posting. It’s the work done long before the ad goes live: defining the role, clarifying outcomes, planning onboarding and training, and putting the support systems in place so the new hire can succeed and their proficiency develops as quickly as possible. When business owners and hiring managers skip these steps and “wing it,” they create the very conditions that lead to turnover and a vicious, expensive cycle of replace-and-repeat.

What is the cost of skipping preparation?

There are direct and hidden costs that multiply quickly in smaller organizations. It often costs far more than just the departing employee’s paychecks.

Typical estimates: one turnover usually costs between 30 percent and 200 percent of that position’s annual salary depending on level, role complexity, and how well the company manages hiring/onboarding. This percentage comes from the following:

• Recruiting and hiring costs: advertising, recruiter fees, background checks, and the hours owners and/or managers spend interviewing.

• Onboarding and training wasted: materials, trainer time, and other formal or informal ramp-up efforts that produce no long-term return.

• Lost productivity: the new hire’s slow start plus the lost output of colleagues covering gaps.

• Manager and leadership time: frequent coaching, performance management, termination processing, and re-hiring efforts pull leaders off strategic work.

• Lost continuity: disrupted projects, slower cycle times, and potential loss of a job or revenue as a result.

• Customer impact: service lapses, angry clients, missed future sales and referrals.

• Lower team morale and engagement: persistent turnover drains motivation and increases mistakes.

• Increased errors and quality issues: mis-hires often create rework and corrective costs.

• Opportunity cost: stalled initiatives and missed growth because everyone’s “firefighting.”

• Severance, termination, and legal costs: payouts, unemployment filings, and possible disputes.

• Benefits and payroll overhead wasted: paid time off, employer taxes, and benefits paid during a short tenure.

• Rehiring and replacement expenses: repeating sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding and repeating the ramp-up time.

Put bluntly, one bad hire can cost a company months — sometimes a year — of that role’s salary in total losses. For a small business, that’s often the difference between steady growth and remaining flat year over year — or even worse, have a year that’s down.

Areas to watch and improve:

• Avoid treating the job ad as the start of hiring instead of the final piece of preparation.

• Define clearly the success criteria for the role (what “good” looks like at 30/60/90 days).

• Create a structured onboarding and training plan. Don’t assume new hires will “figure it out.”

• Hire to meet business outcomes vs. people to do tasks. Otherwise, people get bored, confused, or misaligned; and then they quit or worse, “quit and stay.”

• Hire those who are a culture fit. Know what values and character traits that you are seeking in new hires/potential team members — and hire to this.

• Pay attention to owner/manager readiness. Are they prepared to train? (This is a huge predictor of retention.)

When you treat recruiting strategically, it becomes a growth lever instead of a recurring expense. Companies can transform hiring from a drain into a differentiator simply by committing to that end-to-end discipline. It’s a lot easier to do than you think; it just takes time and focusing on it. The ROI is tremendous. Trustal Recruiting can help if you need insights or assistance with any of these disciplines. •

MEGHAN RITCHIE is the founder of Trustal Recruiting, a firm special izing in recruiting services for home services companies like elec trical, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and other trades. The company collaborates deeply with its clients to develop their teams over time. Learn more at trustalrecruiting.com

The Future Of Cobb Is A Leadership Question

VICKI ABELSON, MBA PCC

On any given morning in Cobb County, leadership is happening quietly. It’s happening in early meetings before school drop-off, in hospital corridors where decisions can’t wait, and in offices where calendars overflow and inboxes pile up. The pressure to get it right — for employees, patients, students, and families — never really turns off.

For years, the story of Cobb has been growth and a steady influx of people drawn by opportunity and quality of life. But as the county matures, a different question is emerging — one that doesn’t show up on planning documents or economic reports. It’s not how fast can we grow? It’s how well can we lead?

The future of Cobb County will be defined by how leaders across business, healthcare, education, and civic life show up in moments of complexity.

When growth stops being simple

In the early stages of growth, leadership often rewards speed: move quickly, decide fast, push through obstacles. That approach works ... until it doesn’t. As communities grow, leadership becomes less about momentum and more about navigation. Systems become interconnected. Decisions ripple outward. The margin for error shrinks, and the weight leaders carry grows heavier.

Many leaders describe the same quiet experience: they are capable, respected, and outwardly successful, yet privately exhausted. They second-guess decisions. They feel responsible for everything. They wonder why doing all the “right” things still feels so hard. This isn’t a personal failure. It’s a signal that leadership demands have changed.

The limits of the old playbook

For decades, leaders were taught a familiar script: be the expert, have the answers, push through, and don’t let them see you sweat. That model isn’t sustainable. Today’s challenges don’t respond well to control or endurance alone. Multigenerational teams bring different expectations. And leaders are expected to be decisive, compassionate, strategic, and steady, all at once. What once looked like strength, constant availability, personal sacrifice, and heroic effort often leads to burnout and disengagement. And when leaders burn out, their organizations feel it.

What effective leadership looks like now

The leaders shaping the future of Cobb are not necessarily louder or busier than their peers. They are steadier. They’ve learned that leadership is as much internal as external. That clarity begins with

self-awareness. That emotional intelligence isn’t a soft skill, it’s a stabilizing force. The skills becoming essential in Cobb’s next chapter include:

• Self-awareness under pressure. Leaders who understand their own reactions can slow down, think clearly, and respond intentionally when stakes are high.

• Emotional intelligence. Trust, communication, and conflict navigation matter more than rigid authority in complex systems.

• Collaborative leadership. No single organization or sector can solve today’s challenges alone. Progress depends on leaders who can work across boundaries.

• Decision-making without certainty. Leaders must move forward without waiting for perfect information — and help others feel confident in that movement.

• Sustainable energy. The ability to manage energy, not just time, determines whether leadership is effective for the long haul. These capabilities don’t replace expertise or ambition; they elevate them.

Why this matters beyond the office

Leadership quality doesn’t stay contained within an organization’s walls. When leaders are overwhelmed or reactive, teams feel it. Turnover increases. Decision-making slows. Trust erodes. When leaders are grounded and intentional, people feel safer, more engaged, and more willing to contribute their best thinking.

In a community like Cobb, leadership shows up in healthcare outcomes, school culture, workforce stability, economic resilience, and civic trust. Leadership shapes how people experience not just work, but life in the community. Strong leadership creates ripple effects that extend far beyond any one title or institution.

Looking ahead

Every community is shaped by the leaders it develops and supports. As Cobb County continues to grow, its greatest advantage may not be location or infrastructure, but the quality of leadership guiding its future.

The next chapter will be written by leaders who understand that leadership is not just about direction, but presence; not just about outcomes, but impact; not just about growth, but stewardship.

The future of Cobb is a leadership question — and how it’s answered will shape far more than we realize. •

VICKI ABELSON, MBA PCC, is a Certified Professional Coach with over 20 years of healthcare administration experience and the founder of The Defined Leader. She offers executive coaching and workshops. If you’re ready to see if leadership coaching is for you, visit thedefinedleader.com

Legal Lessons For Young Entrepreneurs, And The Rest Of Us

Don’t let someone else determine how your assets are distributed.

BY CORRIE THRASHER, FOUNDER OF THRASHER LAW

All entrepreneurs have to understand which privacy laws and other regulations apply to their business, because a minor issue can quickly become a very expensive, very stressful distraction.

Acommunity-based business academy is a wonderful opportunity to encourage young entrepreneurs to get their hands dirty. It checks all the boxes that more entrepreneurs should have access to — it can provide mentorship from established business owners, plus access to necessary resources, such as accounting, admin and legal; all while students are making real products, designing websites, and learning how customers, branding, and money actually work. And the bottom line is that all business startups experience the same legal issues that trip up established businesses every single day. For example…

Branding. A student entrepreneur might pick a name like “Starbax Coffee” because it sounds cool and the domain is inexpensive. No one is calling the trademark police, but plenty of real businesses are building impressive growth engines with unprotected names, unclear logos, or website images borrowed from Google. I’ve helped more than one midsize company return to the drawing board after a trademark issue they never saw coming. Trademark legal disputes are expensive, but the downstream costs of rebranding can be even worse. New logos, rebuilt websites, updated marketing materials, and fresh packaging add up quickly. A simple legal check on the front end is far easier and more costeffective than untangling the mess later.

Contracts A student lawncare service can take Venmo payments based on a quick conversation with a homeowner about scope. But plenty of adult business owners still rely on handshake deals, vague assumptions, or the classic “we’ve known each other for 20 years; it’ll be fine.” As a lawyer, I usually get called when it turns out not to be fine. Scope of work, payment terms, and responsibility when something goes wrong are exactly the details that create the biggest headaches for established businesses. A basic contract review by an attorney can help you spot your biggest risks and pain points before they turn into expensive disputes.

Privacy. Students selling custom stickers online aren’t thinking about data privacy laws. Plenty of adult business owners aren’t either, when they should be. If your business collects names, emails, payment information, or cookies, you’re playing in a regulated sandbox. Privacy laws don’t give anyone a learning curve. A startup client recently forwarded me a demand email that cited potential violations of federal and state privacy regulations; the client didn’t even know whether these laws might apply to their business model. It took hours to confirm the client hadn’t accidentally crossed a classaction threshold. That’s why early legal support matters. All entrepreneurs have to understand which privacy laws and other regulations apply to their business, because a minor issue can quickly become a very expensive, very stressful distraction.

The same types of issues that trip up a high school entrepreneur are the ones that blow up future business sales for seasoned owners. When a buyer begins digging through due diligence, every “backburner” problem suddenly becomes embarrassing at best and a dealkiller at worst. Missing documentation and unclear ownership of intellectual property can all reduce the value

of a deal or derail it altogether. Getting legal counsel involved early not only prevents those problems from snowballing but also makes your company more valuable and far more attractive when it is time to sell.

Getting legal support does not have to mean hiring a fulltime lawyer or destroying your budget. Many businesses start by setting a small annual legal budget, scheduling periodic checkins, or working with attorneys who offer flexible pricing models, flatfee reviews, or projectbased help. The point is simply to build in a rhythm where someone is looking at your contracts, your records, and your compliance before issues stack up. A little structure on the front end keeps surprises to a minimum and protects the value of what you are building now, which becomes especially important when the time comes to sell your business.

When business owners get involved in a local business academy as mentors or judges, they often realize their own companies could use the same tuneup they’re preaching to students. It’s tough to talk about “doing it right” when you haven’t looked at your contracts in years, your corporate records haven’t been updated, or you’re not entirely sure if you have an operating agreement. Getting ahead of those details now is what turns a future sale from a scramble into a smooth exit.

Legal disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with a qualified attorney about the specific laws and requirements applicable to their particular circumstances.

Corrie Thrasher, founder of Thrasher Law, leverages nearly two decades of experience in providing ongoing legal counsel to busi ness owners and executive teams who want consistent, senior‑level judgment in business operations and growth. Explore more at www.thrasherlegal.com. •

Therapy On The Farm

McKenna Farms changes the lives of Cobb children through equine therapy and personalized treatment plans.

BY JENNIFER M. TODD

Editor’s note: Reprinted from the March/April 2025 issue of Cobb In Focus.

There are a lot of hidden gems around our community, and one of those magical places is McKenna Farms.

Situated on a 30-acre horse farm with walking trails, a sensory garden, and a natural creek, McKenna Farms provides more than 700 therapy sessions, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, every single week to children with special needs and young adults.

In 2001, Jessica Moore, who was a physical therapist assistant with a passion for helping children with special needs and a love for horses, envisioned a space where therapy could take place in a natural environment. She knew that children would recognize greater success when not bound by the confines of a sterile, clinical therapy room. With her own horse, McKenna, Moore started offering hippotherapy — a therapy method that incorporates the movement of a horse to improve motor and sensory functions of the rider. What began as a small operation on a friend’s farm has since grown into a comprehensive therapy center that serves hundreds of families in northwest Georgia.

“It is very rare to find a facility such as ours that offers all three therapy disciplines — speech, physical, and occupational therapy — in one setting,” said Moore. “And it is even more unlikely to find one where clients can receive their therapy in a natural, welcome environment.” Having all three disciplines located together allows for therapists to collaborate and even combine therapy sessions, making it more comfortable for

the clients and easier for the families.

On any given day at McKenna Farms, you can find children laughing as they ride or pet horses, therapists walking hand-in-hand with their young clients on the trails, and families gathered in the outdoor gazebo and waiting area watching their children take steps — sometimes literal ones — toward greater independence. This unique place is

more than just a therapy center; it’s a sanctuary where hope and healing come to life.

For many families, McKenna Farms is a lifeline. Parents arrive, often exhausted from navigating the challenges of finding the right care for their child, and they leave with a renewed sense of hope. The therapists here are more than just professionals; they become an extended family — cheering every milestone, celebrating every achievement, and offering support through the struggles.

The benefit of having horses available is that not only can clients experience the joy of walking through the barn and seeing them, but when it is a good fit, therapists can actually incorporate the horses into clients’ therapy. Hippotherapy is the incorporation of the horse’s movement into therapy. A horse provides continuous, rhythmic inputs to the rider’s body, thus promoting neuromotor and sensory engagement. According to Moore, “The horses provide a dynamic therapy tool that engages children in ways traditional therapy simply can’t.” This method has helped many children develop core strength, balance, and coordination in ways traditional therapy cannot always achieve.

The connection between the children and the horses is undeniable. For kids who struggle to communicate or have difficulty engaging in traditional therapy settings, these gentle giants become their partners in progress, offering a sense of freedom and confidence that carries into all aspects of these children’s lives.

Beyond the barn, McKenna Farms is home to a Civil War-era farmhouse that now houses the facility’s main office space and three therapy gyms, allowing multiple clients to receive therapy simultaneously. In addition, there are seven sensory-friendly therapy cottages and innovative outdoor spaces designed to make therapy more engaging and less intimidating.

It’s not just the therapists and families who make McKenna Farms special — it’s also the incredible community that supports

it. Volunteers, donors, and local businesses come together to ensure that therapy services remain accessible to families, regardless of financial circumstances. While McKenna Farms accepts most insurance plans and private pay clients, 72 percent of their families are on Medicaid. “Our goal,” said Moore, “is to make sure that every client who needs therapy has access to it.” The farm has more than 200 volunteers, ages 14 to 83, who assist with everything from hippotherapy sessions to horse care and farm maintenance. “On any given day we have 40 slots needing volunteer assistance,” said Monique Sparks, volunteer director.

Once people step foot onto the farm, they sometimes find it hard to leave. One mother-daughter team started volunteering five years ago. Today, the mother is still an active volunteer and the daughter is one of McKenna’s adaptive riding instructors. McKenna Farms values all of the volunteers who embrace its mission and love its horses so that they can continue changing lives.

According to Sparks, “Becoming a volunteer is relatively simple. We have an online application that needs to be filled out, then we will review it and contact the potential volunteer with the next step.” Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to visit mckennafarms.org

McKenna Farms’ reach extends into the community. “We try to identify ways we can help others in the community,” said Moore. “We offer summer camps, a Veterans riding program, partner with first responder groups, and have a soon-to-launch literacy program, Horse Powered Reading, designed to enhance literacy through experiential learning with horses.”

Adaptive riding at McKenna Farms

provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to develop horsemanship skills while gaining physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits. Unlike hippotherapy, which is therapist-led and focuses on direct medical treatment, adaptive riding is a recreational activity taught by certified instructors. Riders learn to guide and communicate with their horses, improve balance and coordination, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

“One of the most beautiful aspects of our Adaptive Riding Program at McKenna Farms is witnessing the incredible strides our riders make, often exceeding expectations,” says Katherine Huff, equine

programs director. “I’ll never forget one particular adult rider who, due to his diagnosis, was predicted to likely never live independently. Yet, through our program, he’s found a sense of independence and accomplishment. He rides a horse completely on his own each week, memorizing complex riding patterns and competing in horse shows — all with only verbal prompts from his instructor.”

Whether it is at the barn, on a trail, or in one of the cottages, clients benefit from the collaborative efforts of top therapists. Jessica Duffey, a speech therapist at McKenna Farms, emphasizes the importance of their work, “We use evidence-based practices

to address articulation and phonology, language comprehension and expression, social communication and self-advocacy skills, and oral-motor development needed for feeding and speech. Our campus allows us to treat our clients in natural and sensoryrich environments, beyond the four walls of a traditional clinic room. This allows for more real-life opportunities to practice skills learned in therapy. It’s a ‘win-win’ for both my clients and me.”

The impact McKenna Farms has on the community is far-reaching and muchneeded. Yet, like many nonprofit organizations, McKenna Farms relies on community support to help sustain and expand its services. McKenna Farms’ hosts their largest annual fundraiser, Derby Day at the Farm, on the first Saturday in May. This event invites the community to enjoy a beautiful spring day on the farm, complete with live music, food, games, and a live stream of the Kentucky Derby. It’s an opportunity not just to support McKenna Farms, but to experience firsthand the magic of this special place. Sponsorships and tickets are

available now for this incredible event.

“McKenna Farms provides more than just therapy,” explained Moore. “Everything we do, from our community events to our summer camps, to our Fall Festival, to our Santa at the Barn holiday party, provides a caring community for our special needs families. We understand our client’s individuality and see them for who they are, not just the challenges they are facing. It is our goal to help them take strides toward success.”

For those who have yet to visit, McKenna Farms is more than a hidden gem — it’s a place where children find their strength, families find support, and every day is a step toward something greater. Please consider reaching out to them if you would like more information on donating, volunteering, attending events, or the services they provide. You can contact them online by visiting mckennafarms.org. •

Meet Justin And Brooke Morgan

Living, working, and raising a family in Acworth.

When we first chose to put down roots in Acworth, it wasn’t just about finding a place to live — it was about building a life filled with intention, connection, and purpose. What started as a decision of convenience has become a deeply meaningful part of our story — one that now centers around our family, our business, and the community we’re proud to call home.

We’re Justin and Brooke Morgan — husband and wife, parents and co-owners of Morgan Property Partners, a real estate company based in Acworth. Our mission is simple but personal: to inspire community through real estate. For us, real estate is about more than houses — it’s about people, relationships, and helping others plant their own roots in a place that feels like home.

To start, one of the biggest reasons we decided to grow our family in Acworth was our daughters’ education. They attend North Cobb Christian School, and it’s been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. The school doesn’t just challenge them academically — it also pours into them spiritually, emotionally, and socially. It aligns perfectly with the values we’re trying to instill at home and has been a cornerstone of our decision to stay planted in this community.

Additionally, Acworth offers the kind of lifestyle that feels increasingly rare these days. As a family, we love walking down to Lake Acworth in the evenings, watching the sunset, or cruising around town on our bikes and golf cart. We also spend weekends out on Lake Allatoona tubing, swimming, and making memories that will last a lifetime. There’s something special about raising kids in a place where nature is just outside your front door and neighbors still wave hello.

up just minutes from their grandparents has been one of the most rewarding parts of our journey and another reason we’re so invested in this town.

Running our business here has been just as fulfilling. We see real estate as a chance to serve — not just sell. Whether we’re guiding first-time buyers, helping families relocate, or supporting sellers through big transitions, our goal is to treat every client like a neighbor — and they often are. Every transaction is rooted in trust, transparency, and genuine care.

Over the past two years, we’ve had the pleasure of helping approximately 75 families buy or sell, with roughly half of those transactions taking place in and around Acworth. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch our business grow in the very community where we live. There’s something special about helping a neighbor find their dream home or walking a friend through the process of selling their family’s property. Our work and our life are intertwined in the best way. What’s even more meaningful is that our daughters get to watch it all unfold. They’ve sat in on meetings, helped deliver gifts to new homeowners, and have seen firsthand what it means to work hard while serving others. Our life isn’t divided into work and family — it’s one shared journey, and Acworth has given us the space and support to live that out fully.

We’re also continually inspired by how people in this town show up for one another. Whether it’s cheering each other on at local events, supporting small businesses, or simply being there when someone is in need, Acworth feels like a family. We’ve experienced that love ourselves and try to reflect it back in every relationship we build — both personally and professionally.

And two years ago, Brooke’s parents made the decision to move from Canton to Acworth to be closer to their grandchildren. Now, we’re blessed to have three generations of our family living in the same community. Watching our daughters grow

“Our life isn’t divided into work and family — it’s one shared journey, and Acworth has given us the space and support to live that out fully.”

As we continue to grow our business and raise our daughters, we’re grateful every day that we chose to call Acworth home. This town has shaped who we are, and we’re excited to keep investing in the people, places, and potential that make it such a special place. If we have our way, we’ll still be here decades from now watching our girls grow up and maybe even raise families of their own right here where it all began. •

For more information: Morgan Property Partners, an affiliate of eXp Realty morganpropertypartners.com #soldbybrookeandjustin

DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS

North Cobb Christian School Academy of Business helps students excel in the world of business.

MBY LINDSAY FIELD PENTICUFF

any high school students start their freshman year not knowing what they want to be when they grow up. But imagine your child having an opportunity to participate in a program that offers real-world experiences that could help them determine whether an area of study is something they may want to pursue as a career.

Well, at North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) in Kennesaw, your child can do just that.

“At their core, the NCCS academies are about developing leaders,” said Dr. Chip Houston, NCCS Assistant Head of School. “By giving students real responsibility through entrepreneurship, industry exposure, and student-led programs, the academies allow our students to steward their God-given gifts with character, purpose, and confidence — skills that matter well beyond high school.”

“At their core, the NCCS academies are about developing leaders.”

— Dr. Chip Houston, NCCS Assistant Head of School

Nearly two decades ago, NCCS started launching academies for students with specific interests, whether that’s in the arts, business, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), counseling, ministry and education, or exercise and sports science.

“Our academies connect rigorous academics with real-world experience — launching businesses, exploring aviation through STEM, performing on major stages like Winter Jam, and operating student-run ventures like Higher Grounds Coffee,” Houston said. “In a competitive college admissions landscape where many students look similar on paper, these experiences allow [our] students to tell a distinctive story shaped by initiative, responsibility, and purpose.”

Turning Passion Into Profit

For NCCS “lifer” and 2023 graduate Finley Ross, the Academy of Business, in particular, was a great fit for his true passion — entrepreneurship. Established in 2008, the Academy of Business equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to excel in the world of business.

Through a combination of dedicated coursework, hands-on internships, and exposure to real-world corporate environments, students learn core principles of entrepreneurship, management, finance, and innovation.

“I loved everything related to business, and I was already running a couple of side hustles all through middle school and high school,” Ross said. “I knew that what I could learn in these classes, I could directly apply to what I was already doing. I was so eager to be a part of the marketing, accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship classes.”

Throughout middle and high school, Ross took every opportunity to make extra money. He did odd jobs such as pressure washing, landscaping — pushing a lawnmower throughout the neighborhood — selling ice cream off a jet ski on Lake Lanier, and even online reselling. “I grew up independently, with just my mom and brother for a lot of my life, so throughout middle and high school, I had to pay for everything,” he shares. “If I wanted clothes, gas, a car, I was going to have to pay every penny for it, different than a lot of my peers in school.

“I would be playing two or three sports at a time and didn’t have a normal schedule to go work somewhere,” he continues, “so I had to make it for myself and build something I could make money from on my own schedule.”

From Side Hustle to Six Figures

During students’ senior year in the NCCS Academy of Business, they are tasked with creating their own business. Ross founded a car-detailing company, an idea that came to mind while he was watching car-detail ing videos online. “I love service-based businesses and the blue-collar indus try, and my love language is acts of service, so if I could do that while getting paid for it, it was a winwin,” he said. “The idea started in that class, and it was kind of the first idea that quickly became prof itable, sustainable, and repeatable.”

Ross’ Classic City Detailing LLC is a mobile car-detailing business that originally served customers in Cobb County and surrounding communities. Today, his business serves customers in Athens, Hartwell, Buford, Gainesville, and Flowery Branch, as well as Anderson, South Carolina. He employs four people full-time and is looking for a fifth. He operates three company vans and plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop in early June.

“I think a lot of entrepreneurs are born with a creative mindset, where they can find opportunities and solve problems that other people may not be able to,” says 21-year-old Ross. “We see a problem and can figure out how to make money from it. I believe I have that gift.”

Ross continues to operate the business while still in college. He is a junior at the University of Georgia, where

“I was so eager to be a part of the marketing, accounting, finance and entrepreneurship classes.”

— Finley Ross, Founder and CEO, Classic City Detailing LLC, and 2023 NCCS Graduate

he is majoring in business management and minoring in construction management, while also working toward a certificate of entrepreneurship.

Today, the company brings in about $22,000 a month in revenue.

Mapping The Road to Success

Ross credits NCCS for his continued success, especially Academy of Business Director Ryan Moore.

“Throughout high school, I had a debilitating fear of public speaking, and Coach Moore was really the only teacher who met me where I was,” Ross remembers. “He wouldn’t fail me because I couldn’t present in front of the class. He’d meet with me after class and [allow me to] do a speech one on one. Over the years, we were able to get me to where I could present in front of classes. He helped me overcome that and prepared me early on with mock interviews, elevator pitches, and different scenarios to where once I stepped into it in the real world, I knew exactly what to say and what to do.

“He was also someone, who in every step of the business, I could update and he’d help hold me accountable,” Ross continued. “He was a great, solid mentor, and I wouldn’t be near where I am today without him.”

And it is students like Ross who helped draw Moore to the program in the first place in 2019.

“I have kids of my own, but I kind of feel like a proud kid or a proud brother, seeing where Finley started and where he is now,” Moore said. “I feel blessed that I can be a small part in his gigantic story that’s just getting going, and if God can use me to impact his life in that way, that’s kind of the validation I’ve received since leaving corporate America to come here.”

Moore, a Marietta native and 2006 graduate of NCCS, had a 10-year career in corporate America but was helping with the school’s baseball program, when he — on a whim — reached out to someone on the academics side to let them know he’d be interested in working at the school if an opportunity ever arose that may be a good fit with his background and experience.

“I had never taught a day in my life; didn’t even go to school to teach,” said Moore, who studied economics in college.

“God is using this program to create future leaders in the business realm.”

— Ryan Moore, Director, NCCS Academy of Business

“I honestly didn’t think anyone would ever reach out, but three months later they did.

“It was kind of a God thing; where I saw it as God plucking me out of corporate America and putting me where I should be,” he continued. “And every day I’ve worked here, there’s validation of that being the right move and best move.”

Since Moore took over the business program seven years ago, 72 seniors have come through the academy and graduated. “God is using this program to create future leaders in the business realm like Finley who have a biblical worldview and can make an impact for His kingdom,” Moore concludes.

To learn more about NCCS’ Academy of Business and the other four academies, visit ncchristian.org/academies •

Classic City Detailing LLC

Website: classiccitydetailingllc.com

Email: classiccitydetailingllc@gmail.com

Phone: 678.222.8358

About North Cobb Christian School

North Cobb Christian School (NCCS) is an interdenominational, private, college-preparatory school serving approximately 1,250 students from pre-K3 through 12th grade. Since its founding in 1983, NCCS has grown to become one of the largest private schools in metro Atlanta and is known for strong academics, authentic family culture, excellent extracurricular opportunities, and unwavering Christian discipleship. Set up a tour: 770-9750252, admissions@ncchristian.org, or visit ncchristian.org.

NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ACADEMIES

Learn more: ncchristian.org/academies

Academy of the Arts: With options in visual arts, vocal arts, instrumental arts and theater arts, this academy provides formal instruction, real-world context, and nextlevel performance experiences to further develop and hone student gifts, skills, and technical mastery.

Academy of Business: This academy equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in the world of business. Through a combination of dedicated coursework, hands-on internships, and exposure to real-world corporate environments, students learn core principles of entrepreneurship, management, finance, and innovation.

STEM Academy: This challenging program prepares students for advanced study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Guided by their unique talents and interests, students may concentrate their electives in fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, mathematics, aviation, or science.

Academy of Counseling, Ministry and Education (ACME): ACME prepares students for people-focused, relational careers. The program provides a strong biblical foundation while equipping students with an understanding of human thought and behavior (psychology), societal impact (sociology), and core beliefs (philosophy).

Academy of Exercise and Sports Science (EXSS): EXSS is designed for students pursuing careers in sports management, athletics, and fitness-related fields. The program combines coursework in the business and healthcare aspects of the industry, providing both foundational knowledge and hands-on exposure to prepare students for advanced study and professional opportunities.

What Can You Do To Combat The High Cost Of Auto Insurance?

The top three strategies you can implement in your business to reduce your commercial auto insurance cost.

BY KEVIN DIPETRILLO, PARTNER, POINTENORTH INSURANCE GROUP

Whether or not to expand your business operations should be a factor of market conditions and demand for your services. Instead, we’ve reached a point, in Georgia, where businesses are deciding whether to expand operations based on the cost of insuring the truck. These costs are passed on to consumers and lead to the high costs of common household services. None of this is good for our economy or our community. See my article in the last issue about what’s driving these high costs. In the meantime, here are some strategies businesses can use to lower the cost of their coverage and some of them translate to your household as well. All of these are variable depending on other factors and should be discussed with a qualified insurance agent.

I’m not going to tell you to run Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) on your drivers. There are a few risk control measures that are table stakes these days. Every business should be running MVRs on drivers annually. Your business should have a written driver standard that’s part of your employee manual stating what an acceptable driving record is and what the discipline is if an employee exceeds it — up to and including termination. There should be regular meetings to discuss safe driving behavior and driver training resources. Personal use of company vehicles should be prohibited. If your company is not taking these measures, you’re inviting claims, higher premiums, and fewer insurance carriers to choose from. Let’s assume you’ve taken these conventional measures and now you’re trying to think outside the box.

(GVW). Heavier trucks cause more damage when they hit someone. So, as you replace your fleet, consider purchasing the smallest vehicle that can get the work done. Can you use an F-150 instead of an F-250? It’s even better if you can shift to a private passenger style vehicle such as a minivan or Kia Soul. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your premium than maintaining a lighter fleet.

Second, it’s 10 a.m. Do you know where your kids are? You need to be using telematics to track your vehicles. The telematics program should have push notifications to management and discipline actions should be built into the employee manual. Your telematics program should have alerts for vehicles used after hours, geofencing to restrict where the vehicle is used, long idle alerts, and the common factors such as speed, acceleration, hard breaking, etc. A quality telematics solution with management actively reviewing results with employees can clean up driver behavior and claims very quickly.

Discuss these strategies with your insurance agent to see if they’re viable for your company and think about them when you’re buying a vehicle for your household.

Third, say cheese! According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 55 percent of crashes have at least one distracted driver, and as many as one in five drivers on the road are distracted at any given time. There is an epidemic of distracted driving in our state, and no tool combats it like a driver-facing dash cam. Many employees will tell you they don’t like having a camera pointing at them. Those are the exact drivers who need them. Many driver-facing dash cams come with AI software that will send a push notification to management if distracted driving is detected. You can appease your employees’ fears if you let them know you don’t look at the footage unless you get an alert. A common half measure is to have a road-facing camera system. This just gives you video evidence of your at-fault accident, which doesn’t help your legal defense. There is no more effective tool than a driver-facing dash cam for reducing accident frequency.

Here are the top three strategies you can implement in your business to reduce your commercial auto insurance cost.

First, lose some weight. Look at your auto premium broken down by vehicle and you’ll see that 60-80 percent of your premium comes from liability coverage. Liability protects your firm in a lawsuit resulting from an at-fault accident. The interstate is lined with billboards for plaintiff attorneys, and those attorneys salivate when the at-fault vehicle has a logo on the side because they know the policy limits will be high. Insurance companies use many criteria to determine liability insurance rates, but one of the largest factors is the Gross Vehicle Weight

Discuss these strategies with your insurance agent to see if they’re viable for your company and think about them when you’re buying a vehicle for your household. Many personal insurance companies offer free telematics solutions that come with big discounts. Until next time, have a safe and successful spring. •

KEVIN DIPETRILLO is a Partner at PointeNorth Insurance Group. With a degree in Risk Management from The University of Georgia, he has been helping businesses and High Net Worth households with their insurance needs for 25 years. Visit pointenorthins.com to see how the company can serve your needs.

ABOUT COBB COUNTY

Distance from Marietta to Downtown Atlanta: 20 mi

Distance from Marietta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: 30 mi

POPULATION: 776,743

MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $503,580

COMBINED SALES TAX RATE: 7%

ONLINE: cobbcounty.org

Long regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Cobb County captures the best of all worlds with growing businesses, neighborhoods and more just beyond the I-285 Perimeter. It provides easy access to recreation and entertainment opportunities, as well as a thriving commercial center.

MAJOR EMPLOYERS:

• Amazon.com Services, Inc.

• The Home Depot

• Lockheed Martin Corp.

• Kennesaw State University

• Fed Ex Ground Package System

• Publix Supermarkets

• Walmart

• Wellstar Health System

• Piedmont Healthcare

ATTRACTIONS:

• Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta

• Six Flags Over Georgia/White Water

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

• Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

• Silver Comet Trail

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

CITIES OF COBB:

ACWORTH acworth-ga.gov

Known as “The Lake City,” Acworth makes good use of its prime location on the banks of Lake Acworth with a full calendar of events centered around the water and abundant recreational activities.

AUSTELL austellga.gov

Although Austell is located just 18 miles from downtown Atlanta, It’s revitalized downtown gives it a small-town feel. The town is known for railfanning and the colorful train engines of the Atlanta rail lines.

KENNESAW kennesaw-ga.gov

Kennesaw is a bustling business center in Cobb County known as a great place to raise a family, while also being home to first-rate parks, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and Kennesaw State University.

MABLETON mableton.gov

Incorporated in 2022 and becoming Cobb County’s largest city with more than 78,000 residents, Mableton is home to Six Flags, the Historic Mable House and Mable House Amphitheater and access to the Silver Comet Trail.

MARIETTA mariettaga.gov

Historic Marietta Square serves as the city center for this vibrant and ever-growing community, boasting quaint shops, renowned restaurants, numerous museums, celebrated theatres and great hiking at Kennesaw Mountain.

POWDER SPRINGS cityofpowdersprings.org

Once a gold mining town, the city boasts a historic downtown, Thurman Springs Park, the Cobb County BMX Park and integrated bike and pedestrian trails.

SMYRNA smyrnaga.gov

Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Atlanta and winner of the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence, the “Jonquil City” is home to a wealth of family-friendly, diverse neighborhoods, upscale dining establishments, pristine public parks and a vibrant Village Green.

NEIGHBORHOODS OF COBB: CUMBERLAND

Situated 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, this unincorporated community serves as the region’s fifth largest business district and is home to the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park.

VININGS

Unincorporated Vinings has become a go-to spot for a city-meets-the-suburbs experience, with upscale boutiques, exceptional restaurants and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

EDUCATION:

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Cobb County Schools cobb.k12.org

Marietta City Schools marietta-city.org

FIVE PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Mount Paran Christian School mtparanschool.org

North Cobb Christian School ncchrisitan.org

The Walker School thewalkerschool.org

Whitefield Academy whitefieldacademy.com

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy mtbethelchristian.org

(source: Niche)

To view annual SAT scores by district and school, as well as Georgia Milestones scores, visit the Georgia Department of Education at gadoe.org.

MAJOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Chattahoochee Technical College chattahoocheetech.edu

Kennesaw State University kennesaw.edu

Life University life.edu

UTILITIES:

NATURAL GAS

SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com

PHONE/CABLE/INTERNET

Xfinity/Comcast xfinity.com

AT&T att.com

Spectrum spectrum.com

ELECTRICITY

Georgia Power georgiapower.com

Acworth Power acworth.org

Cobb EMC cobbemc.com H

GreyStone Power Corp.  greystonepower.com

Marietta Power mariettaga.gov

WATER

Cobb County Water System cobbcounty.org

Marietta Water marietta.gov

H Select provider

Spring Reset

BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE

This is a concept with which we’re all familiar, but perhaps some of us know it by different names. Essentially, just like Mother Nature comes to life after a long winter in its annual renewal, many therapists, wellness coaches, and other mental health experts suggest that we should take this as a sign to do a so-called spring reset of our own. Think of it as an internal spring cleaning.

And personally, I always feel like I need a bit of a retune after every winter. So, what sort of things can we do to refresh our outlook, lower our stress, and defrost if you will? A few immediate and easy options come to mind: work on your nutrition, clean

and organize your living space or office, take better care of your health, volunteer, or start a new hobby.

For one, I’m always looking for better ways to organize my life — my office space, my home, etc. Those who know me know that The Container Store is one of my favorite shops. I can spend hours in there every time I go. Second, I like to find excuses to get outdoors come springtime (despite my allergies). The winter forces me inside because I don’t like the cold, so when it gets warmer, you can find me exercising outside, dining al flesco, or sipping coffee on the patio of one of my favorite coffee shops. Enjoying the warmer weather — before we

hit the unbearable humidity of a Georgia summer — helps my mental state. Additionally, I take the time each spring to learn something new, particularly when it comes to my job/career. I’m always on the lookout for a new skill that will make me more productive and a better editor or writer. Early in my career, I joined a national organization for editors. That group offers a breadth of continuing education for members. Perhaps there is such an org for your line of work. Whichever way you decide to do it, take the opportunity for a spring reset. You’ll thank yourself later. •