Matthew Couper-Gardner

This document outlines a strategic plan by Decide DeKalb focused on the economic revitalization of South DeKalb County. The plan aims to bring economic vibrancy to the region through investment, revitalization efforts, and the creation of opportunities for the community. Key focus areas include empowering small business owners by providing exposure, economic empowerment, and fostering growth, while ensuring development occurs without displacement.

The Lawrenceville Highway Access Management and Beautification Plan outlines a long-term strategy for the City of Tucker to enhance safety, mobility, and visual quality along Lawrenceville Highway (US 29/SR 8). The plan focuses on five key areas: access management and safety, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit enhancements, corridor beautification and identity, intersection improvements, and bicycle accommodations. It aims to transform the corridor into a safer, more efficient, and visually distinctive gateway, supporting local business vitality and improving travel for all users.

This document is a transcript of the DeKalb Chamber's 2021 State of Education & Workforce Development - Closing Session. Speakers analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and workforce dynamics, including declining student enrollments, virtual learning challenges, and uneven employment recovery across income levels. Key discussions focused on fostering community collaboration, addressing critical gaps in areas like connectivity, food security, and healthcare, and the necessity to reimagine educational and workforce development strategies for long-term societal benefit.

The meeting served as the second meeting of the year for partners and focused extensively on hotel collaborations. Key discussion points included strategies to promote partner properties to potential visitors and stakeholders. The organization detailed its role in providing access to planners, running targeted marketing campaigns for leisure guests and planners, and acting as an extension of hotel sales and marketing efforts, including fielding and vetting planner leads. Specific updates were provided on the reunion and wedding market segments, including scheduled workshops and event participation. The sports market segment review highlighted a contract with the Sports Tourism Index Program by Huddle Up Group for destination analysis and securing sports events, including follow-up on RFPs. Metrics from recent marketing efforts, such as January's Expedia campaign booking over 2,000 room nights, were shared. The team also presented on website traffic trends, planned site redesign efforts, and upcoming local events that partners should be aware of to better assist guests.

The event celebrated the Chamber's work in the community, noting its founding in 1938 and its role in attracting, supporting, and advancing business interests in DeKalb County, focusing on resource access, education, workforce development, and public policy. Sponsor remarks were provided by Georgia Power, recognizing the Chamber's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greetings were extended from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurman, who highlighted county investments in infrastructure and economic development. The outgoing chair, Trevor Quander, reviewed achievements including devising a strategic plan, revitalizing committee goals, revising bylaws, and hiring the new CEO. The meeting concluded with the introduction of the new board chair, Elaine Armstrong, and recognition of new and returning board members. The theme for the year was announced as "Drive Success, Embrace Innovation."