Join us for the 2nd Annual Impact Awards, an inspiring event centered around the "United in Purpose," where we bring together community leaders & businesses to share the pivotal role of workforce development in driving the economic prosperity of the City of South Fulton.
SAVE THE DATE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH at 5PM EST
CRESTWOOD EVENT & CONFERENCE CENTER
HONORING THOSE WHO MAKE AN IMPACT
These awards honor the small business owners and leaders who have demonstrated excellence in their industries, contributed to the economic development of our city, and made a lasting impact.
The event will provide an opportunity for networking, inspiration, and celebrating the small businesses that make South Fulton thrive. Let’s come together to applaud the accomplishments of our local business community!
IMPACT AWARDS AWARD CRITERIA
NOMINATIONS DEADLINE ON OCTOBER 18, 2024 | VOTING OCTOBER 23RD - NOVEMBER 4TH
Best New Business:
The nominee will be a new business or an owner/manager of a business venture that is at least one year old but no more than five years old at the time of nomination who has made an outstanding contribution to their local economy, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Nominees will demonstrate company growth including sales, profitability, growth prospects, employment creation and acceptance in the market. Nominees will also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of the City of South Fulton.
Business of the Year:
The nominee will be an active business with a location in the City of South Fulton that is at least 5 years old. The nominee must be an independently owned business that demonstrates one or more of the following: annual revenue of less than two million and 20 or fewer employees, innovative products or services, provides exemplary customer service, encourages and provides professional development of staff, volunteers in the City of South Fulton Community, and shows a commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of the City of South Fulton.
Community Service Award
The nominee will be a person or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural, or economic well-being of the City of South Fulton. The organization works to foster civility and empower residents in the City of South Fulton. This nominee positively impacted the community and demonstrated a commitment to positively changing the City of South Fulton.
Legacy Business of the Year
The Legacy Award honors longevity of 15 years or more in business with a proven record of providing quality products and/or services in the City.
Hospitality Partner of the Year
The nominee will be a business that has demonstrated excellence in the areas of hospitality and tourism and has played a vital role in the growth of its sector. The business should demonstrate the critical success factors that have played a role in its success including employee relations, economic development/investment, business growth, and contributions to the community. This local business goes above and beyond providing extraordinary customer service and recognizes the importance of hospitality in the area as well as serving the community. Examples include wineries, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, golf courses, etc.
Nonprofit of the Year Award
The nonprofit must demonstrate a significant positive impact on the City of South Fulton community, addressing critical issues and advancing the well-being of its residents.
OUR SPEAKERS
Michael L. Thurmond
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Michael L. Thurmond is CEO of DeKalb County, where he focuses on restoring trust in government, balancing the county budget, improving services, and addressing critical infrastructure needs. Elected in a landslide in 2016, Thurmond has a long history of transformative leadership. As a former member of the Georgia General Assembly, he became the first African-American elected statewide without prior appointment.
Known as a "turnaround expert," Thurmond has revitalized organizations such as the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the DeKalb County School District, where he stabilized governance, eliminated deficits, and improved academic performance. Thurmond also served as Georgia’s labor commissioner, where his tenure included the creation of a $20 million school for children with disabilities at the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute.
Tracye Hutchins
SPEAKER
Tracye Hutchins is an anchor for Atlanta News First, anchoring the 3, 5 and 7pm newscasts during the week. Tracye joined Atlanta News First in the spring of 2007 to co-host the morning show, covering breaking news, events in the community and interviewing celebrities until she transitioned to evenings in the fall of 2013. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, Hutchins worked at CNN Headline News in Atlanta, as well as other cities. Hutchins has spent the last 32 years covering the news across the country.
Hutchins now resides in the City of South Fulton with her husband and enjoys discovering all that Metro Atlanta has to offer.
Artie Jones III
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Artie Jones III, is a local government professional with over 25 years in economic development, currently serving as the Economic Development Director and Executive Director of Development Authorities for the City of South Fulton. Managing a $1.7 million budget, Artie leads initiatives to attract businesses, create jobs, and revitalize underperforming areas through strategic public-private partnerships and incentives.
Previously, as Economic Development Director for College Park, Artie facilitated over $1.5 billion in private investment, including a $61 million arena project with the Atlanta Hawks. He also has experience in St. Marys and Brunswick, GA, where he secured significant grants and managed large-scale redevelopment projects. Artie holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts from Valdosta State University and is a Certified Public Manager and licensed real estate professional, actively engaged in organizations such as IEDC, NFBPA, and GEDA.
Crestwood Event & Conference Center
The 2nd Annual Impact Awards will be hosted at the Crestwood Event & Conference Center, located on Old National Highway.
6524 Old National Hwy, Bldg. B-101
South Fulton, GA 30349
City of South Fulton | Economic Development
6385 Old National Hw, Suite 210 South Fulton, GA 30349
For more info, email us at dsf@cityofsouthfultonga.gov