Executive Director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance Joseph Santoro talks about the importance of improving Georgia’s transportation system as the population continues to expand.
In a night of celebration, inspiration, and philanthropy, Morehouse College honored John Hope Bryant, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, with the esteemed “Candle Award” at its 37th Annual “A Candle in the Dark” Gala. This premier event, held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta, recognized Bryant’s outstanding contributions to civic engagement and entrepreneurship—a legacy he has championed for over three decades.
The gala, one of the nation’s foremost celebrations of African American excellence, raised an impressive $6.8 million to support student scholarships, furthering Morehouse College’s mission to develop leaders who will shape the future.
A Visionary Leader in Financial Empowerment
Bryant is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate whose impact spans industries and communities nationwide. As the Founder of The Promise Homes Company, the largest minority-controlled owner of institutional-quality, single-family residential rental homes in the U.S., and the driving force behind Operation HOPE, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy and economic inclusion, Bryant has transformed countless lives. Morehouse College recognized him for his unwavering commitment to empowering underserved communities in metro Atlanta and beyond.
Commitment to Education and Social Impact
The Morehouse College Candle Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who exemplify professional excellence, leadership, and a profound commitment to community service—values deeply embedded in Morehouse’s rich legacy. During the gala, Bryant reinforced his dedication to education by announcing a $100,000 personal commitment to support Morehouse students from underserved backgrounds pursuing degrees in finance, business, and entrepreneurship.
“Financial literacy, education, and community engagement are at the core of Morehouse College’s storied history, making this recognition a profound honor,” said Bryant. “Morehouse is the birthplace of transformative movements and home to leaders like Dr. Benjamin E. Mays and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am proud to continue advancing this mission and championing financial empowerment for future generations.”
Celebrating Excellence and Achievement
Bryant was honored alongside an illustrious group of trailblazers, including:
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Otis Moss, III –Senior Pastor, Poet, Activist, Author, and Filmmaker
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Pharrell Williams – Award-winning Recording Artist, Philanthropist & Fashion Designer
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Rashaun L. Williams – Venture Capitalist, Educator, and Atlanta Falcons Limited Partner
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Marvin Dunn – Author, Educator, Historian, Veteran, and Social Activist
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Bryan Rand – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Rand & Co Holdings LLC
Since its inception in 1989, “A Candle in the Dark” Gala has become a cornerstone event for Morehouse College, recognizing African American achievement and raising vital scholarship funds. The sold-out event drew more than 800 distinguished guests, including Morehouse College and HBCU alumni, business and civic leaders, and philanthropists. To view a replay of the live stream, click HERE.
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New research says Georgians’ accents are quickly changing.
In a University of Georgia laboratory, linguistics researchers are digitizing and analyzing 100 years of recordings.
Read More at Yahoo! News.
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On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Council for Quality Growth and Fulton County Government hosted the 2025 State of Fulton County Address, in partnership with Legendary Events, at the sold-out Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead. More than 400 Council and Chamber members, elected officials, businesses, residents, county staff, and partners of the county attended in support of the Chairman. The State of Fulton breakfast was presented by the Amazon, Develop Fulton, and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority.
Chairman Robb Pitts opened his address by acknowledging the many elected officials, county department directors, and executive staff that contributed to the county’s accomplishments over the last two years. Ambassador Andrew Young provided quick remarks to the crowd commending the Chairman’s work and stressing the importance of Fulton County to the state. “If you keep this county together, you keep this state together,” Ambassador Young said. Chairman Pitts then celebrated Fulton County’s unique opportunities and experiences that make it a thriving place to do business, boasting the county’s nationwide rankings for business. “Living here, working here, and even visiting here, offers experiences you simply will not have anywhere else,” Chairman Pitts said.
Pitts commended “THE transportation hub of the region” and the projects his county is working on to continue building connections among communities, including GDOT’s 1-285 transformation, MARTA’s Bus Rapid Transit expansion, and a personal rapid transit (PRT) pilot project launched last year. In addition, the Fulton County Airport was awarded more than $6 million in FAA funding last year to complete the next phases of a Master Plan that will enable direct flights to Europe. This airport is just one part of the transformation taking place along the Fulton Industrial Boulevard corridor.
He also addressed Fulton County’s water and sewer system as being among the best in the nation. In October of last year, the county opened the $350 million Big Creek Water Reclamation Facility, its largest capital project to date. The county continues to prioritize these investments that protect our waterways with a similar $500 million facility planned for South Fulton County. “These investments are vital to the overall health of the community and critical to meeting new demands of residents and businesses as we continue to grow,” Pitts said.
Throughout his State of Fulton address, Chairman Pitts also celebrated the county’s robust education systems, including an elite group of historically black colleges and universities, Atlanta Technical College, and K-12 public school systems that help provide career opportunities for all residents and an educated workforce for Fulton employers. Pitts also stressed the importance of improved access to healthcare and mental healthcare in Fulton County. In the last few years, the county has opened several new primary care and mental health facilities, and they are working to create new Grady clinics and facilities.
Chairman Pitts acknowledged some of the challenges the county has faced with cybersecurity and Fulton County Jail. In January, Pitts and the Sheriff laid out a detailed plan for addressing jail conditions. In addition to the Fulton County Sherriff’s office’s efforts, the Board of Commissioners has committed up to $300 million for facility repairs. He concluded his address by celebrating Fulton’s lowered millage rate and first ever AAA bond rating. “While we are facing challenges, we have proven time and time again that we are able to meet whatever comes our way,” Chairman Pitts said. “Whether a pandemic, a natural disaster, a ransomware attack, or whatever waits around the corner, Fulton County is resilient, and the people in this room are the source of our strength.”
The Council for Quality Growth works with Fulton County and its local municipalities year-round to advocate for our members doing business in those areas. The State of Fulton County convenes the county’s business community with its local government bodies, as well as with other local leaders from across the region. “Fulton County plays a central role in the ongoing economic growth of our region,” said Michael Paris, President & CEO of the Council. “We are proud of our continued collaboration with the county and its 15 municipalities as we work together to bring in new investment and enhance quality of life for all who live and work in Fulton County.”
The State of Fulton also featured remarks from 2025 Council for Quality Growth Chair Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of the Atlanta Beltline, and Bob Ellis, Vice-Chair of the Fulton County Commission. Terreta Rodgers, Head of Community Affairs of Amazon, Kwanza Hall, Chairman of Develop Fulton, and Jevon Gibson, CEO of the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, gave presenting sponsor remarks. Katherine Atteberry, Stormwater Planning Manager of the ARC’s Metro North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD), delivered an update on behalf of the district.
A photo gallery and the recording of the full event will be made available in the coming days at https://www.
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A rush of Millennials is heading to Georgia to put down roots, seeking the perfect blend of affordable homes, career opportunities, and family-friendly living.
In fact, the Peach State experienced a net influx of more than 20,200 Millennials and 11,300 Gen Xers in 2023, making it one of the top picks in the race for young professionals, according to StorageCafe’s latest migration study based on the Census data.
Key findings include:
- Georgia gained almost 62,000 more residents than it lost in 2023, continuing a decade-long growth trend that has fueled a net inflow of over 400,000 new residents since 2014, placing Georgia among the top five destination states after Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas.
- Nearly 4 in 10 movers achieve homeownership within just a year of relocating.
- Additionally, the Peach State is drawing in a well-educated demographic. A full 33% of its new residents have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, and nearly one-fifth (19%) of incoming residents are remote workers, bringing their careers with them.
- Florida, Texas and California sent the most new residents, and when transplants from high-cost states like Florida and California can slash their home purchasing costs by 15-55%, it’s easy to see the appeal.
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High-net-worth transplants from Illinois and New Jersey are bringing significant economic impact, with average net worth ranging from $77K to $90K, respectively.
I’ve asked Emilia Man, the lead analyst behind the story, to share her insights on the recent migration trends:
““What we’re witnessing is a fundamental reshaping of America’s demographic landscape,” says Man. “Affordability is driving interstate migration, with people gravitating toward regions where active construction meets housing demand.
The most fascinating trend is happening within these growth regions – moves from core cities to fast-growing outer suburbs. These areas offer more space, attainable pricing, and vibrant communities while keeping residents connected to the economic opportunities of larger metros. Georgia exemplifies this pattern perfectly, with its mix of urban centers and growing suburban communities attracting diverse demographic groups.”
For the full report visit www.storagecafe.com
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CEO & Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association Larry Hanson talks about how Georgia City Solutions and GeorgiaForward will be merged to form a unified nonprofit organization under the GeorgiaForward brand.
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The 2025 Georgia Tourism Awards were presented at the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) Annual Conference. The conference was held February 2 – 5 in Gwinnett, GA. The Georgia Tourism Awards celebrate industry achievements and those who have excelled in leadership, creativity, initiative, innovation, customer service, and partnership.
The Georgia Tourism Award recipients were recognized as part of a special ceremony, co-sponsored by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Access Atlanta. Award winners are as follows:
2025 Georgia Tourism Award Winners
Paul Broun Marketing Initiative
This award recognizes the entity that demonstrates an effective and unique marketing initiative. Given in memory of Senator Paul Broun of Athens who was a huge supporter of tourism. He was elected in 1963 and served many years in service to Georgia. He served as Chairman of the Economic Development, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Committee and played a vital role in the development and appropriations of tourism funding.
● Visit Woodstock GA Website Redesign: Budget category under $1 million
● Cobb Travel and Tourism-Bubbles and Brews: Budget category over $1 million
Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award
This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in leadership skills and abilities. Given in memory of Larry Allen, who was General Manager of Stone Mountain and exemplified all around friendship, support and leadership in the tourism industry.
● Lisa Anders, COO of Explore Gwinnett
Al Burruss Creative Expression
This award recognizes an individual or entity that develops a creative community public relations initiative. Representative Al Burruss of Marietta was the majority leader and a huge tourism advocate. He was instrumental in using his creativity and energy to get the TourismDivision its first major appropriation in 1985 of $2.5 million which was a drastic increase from the $300,000 allocated in prior years.
● Roswell Brew Talks: Budget category under $1 million
● 31-81 Official Lifestyle Brand fo Jekyll Island: Budget category over $1 million
Paul Nelson Outdoor Recreation and Preservation This award was established in 2013 to honor Paul Nelson. Paul had a passion for Georgia’s state parks and devoted his professional life to sustaining and improving the state’s natural resources. He spent most of his career working for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, where he last served as assistant director of its parks, recreation, and historic sites division.
● Lake Lanier Olympic Park Foundation
Tom Kilgore Lifetime Achievement
This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding lifetime commitment towards
tourism. Named for Tom Kilgore, legislator from Douglasville, who was an early advocate and
champion of tourism. Tom was one of the architects of the Hotel/Motel Tax legislation. In 2011,
the Governor’s Tourism Conference Lifetime Achievement Award and the GACVB Tom Kilgore
Award were combined to form the current Tom Kilgore Lifetime Achievement Award.
● Paul Cramer, The Classic Center
Bill Hardman Sr Tourism Champion Awards
This series of awards was renamed in honor of Bill Hardman Sr. in 2014 in recognition of his tireless support and guidance to the entire tourism industry. There are four categories under the Tourism Champion umbrella in which a Tourism Champion award may be given: Private Sector, Partnership, Product Development, and Government. Award recipients are individuals and organizations that have taken leadership roles in developing tourism opportunities in communities across the state.
Private Sector Champion Award: This award is given to an individual within the private sector who has worked tirelessly to spread the message and garner support for Georgia tourism. The first recipient of this award was Phil Jacobs, President, Georgia BellSouth. As founder of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s tourism committee, Jacobs has long been a proponent of the state’s tourism industry as a viable, promising tool for economic development.
● Sophia Smith, Little Light Coffee Co. | Middle Georgia Coffee Crawl
Partnership Champion Award: This award is given to an alliance that collaborates to increase visitation and tourism expenditures in Georgia. The first recipient of this award was Georgia Department of Transportation which partnered successfully with GDEcD and provided the official state maps for distribution at Georgia’s Visitor Information Centers.
● Cartersville Bartow County Tourism | Welcome to Museum City Destination Com Corner and Kiosk
Product Development Champion Award: is given to a partner agency or individual for outstanding work
in attracting capital investments for tourism projects. The first awardrecognized Nancy Cobb, OneGeorgia Authority, which leveraged the state’s tobacco settlement funds to attract capital investments for tourism projects in the state’s rural areas.
● Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau | Henry Ford’s Southern Town Driving Trail Governmental Champion Award: This award is given to an individual or group who has shown extraordinary support of tourism through their legislative or organizational efforts.
● Representative Matthew Gambill Destination Marketing Visionary Award:
● Norm Easterbrook, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Further details about the individual projects can be found in the awards ceremony script and the separate visual presentation. Photographs from the awards luncheon are also available through GACVB.