atl-properties.comA national chain that sells home furniture, appliances and electronics has filed for bankruptcy and plans to close more than 70 stores. Two locations are here in metro Atlanta.
Conn’s HomePlus will be closing the stores off Bullsboro Drive in Newnan and 1825 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain, according to its website.
Read More At: Yahoo
Gwinnett County has once again set the standard as a national benchmark community, earning 31 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards for programs implemented in 2023.
This achievement surpasses the previous record of 22 awards from last year and is the highest for the County since the program began more than 50 years ago.
“Receiving these national recognitions highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional services to our residents,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners is dedicated to guaranteeing our local government is innovative, adaptable and meets the needs of our community.”
The winning programs include Gwinnett’s Affordable Housing Development Fund, the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center, the Veteran and Family Services Center, 911 real time monitoring dashboard, the Microtransit launch and the Water on Wheels in-school field trip program that teaches elementary school students topics like water conservation and pollution prevention.
The County also received the Best in Category Achievement Award for the Harvest Gwinnett Community Garden Ambassador Program. Twenty-two volunteer ambassadors promote community engagement and wellness through gardening, creating spaces where residents can come together to grow food and combat food insecurity at 11 of the County’s community gardens.
There are strict criteria a county government or state association must follow to win a NACo Achievement Award. For example, a program has to offer new services to residents, fill in gaps or tap into new revenue sources; improve the administration of an existing county government program; and/or upgrade training levels for employees and enhance the level of resident participation.
A full list of Gwinnett’s 2024 NACo Achievement Award-winning projects can be found on NACo’s website.
Will the Trump Trade Turn the US Around? The big topic right now in investor circles isn’t just the low inflation report and an expected rate cut in September. It’s also the discussion of what Donald Trump will do if he wins the Nov 8 election. The issue has been tagged the “Trump trade” which…
Front Facade Rendering of new L’Atelier Showroom in in Newnan Georgia designed by Bradley Odom
L’Atelier Paris Haute Design proudly introduces its flagship location in Newnan, Georgia, southwest of Atlanta, featuring the new North America factory, main office, and showroom designed by renowned Atlanta interior designer, Bradley Odom, founder and principal of Bradley Odom Interiors and Dixon Rye. With a distinctive blend of craftsmanship and innovation, this new space will embody L’Atelier Paris’ dedication to quality and timeless design. By incorporating Odom’s expertise and refined aesthetic, the flagship promises a unique experience that seamlessly integrates manufacturing excellence with a curated showroom, setting a new standard for luxury design.
In addition to the space, L’Atelier Paris is set to unveil its first-ever licensed kitchen collection with Bradley Odom, debuting in Fall 2024. This partnership marks a historic milestone for the company.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Bradley and his team to design and create not only a space to best showcase the possibilities available with L’Atelier Paris in our new Georgia showroom and flagship space,” says Ricardo Moraes, CEO of L’Atelier Paris. “But an upcoming collaboration kitchen design debuting in Fall 2024 is an exciting milestone for us. Ever since moving our manufacturing efforts to the US, we have been looking forward to opening a new space in the South where designers and clients can explore and create their perfect kitchen space with our customizable ranges and cabinetry.”
“I’m honored to partner with another brand that so closely matches the ethos of my own,” says Bradley Odom. “With both L’AtelierParis and Bradley Odom Interiors, craftsmanship and quality are at the heart of what we do and inform the experience we create. With L’Atelier Paris’ new headquarters, factory, and showroom, I wanted to design a space that went far beyond the typical showroom experience. My goal was to create a feeling of aspiration and inspiration that encourages the beautiful experience of cooking and the lifestyle a thoughtfully considered space can foster.”
“Designing my own collection of ranges, range hoods, cabinetry, and hardware gave me an opportunity to honor the incredible craftsmanship of L’Atelier Paris while integrating Dixon Rye’s unique aesthetic through mixed metals, timelessly innovative design, and our evocative mix of the raw and the refined. It’s an effortless extension of our brand and a true artistic and creative expression of Dixon Rye and Bradley Odom Interiors.”
L’Atelier Paris Haute Design is a distinguished luxury kitchen brand specializing in custom French cooking ranges, appliances, and full luxury kitchens. In 2019, L’Atelier Paris opened a manufacturing facility in the US for custom-made ranges in the American market, while still sourcing European components, providing American customers with the best of both worlds. At its core, L’Atelier Paris is deeply rooted in tradition, drawing inspirations from French design and culture. The brand seamlessly blends French design aesthetics with the practicalities of American culinary habits.
The new factory location will drastically improve lead times on custom ranges. L’Atelier Paris has reduced lead times to just three months, a remarkable achievement in the custom kitchen market. This unparalleled efficiency sets a new benchmark for the industry and ensures that clients receive their bespoke kitchen solutions in record time.
Visitors to the new showroom will have the immersive experience of witnessing L’Atelier Paris’ products being crafted in real time at the manufacturing plant, providing a unique insight into the meticulous process behind each custom piece. This firsthand view of craftsmanship ensures clients can fully appreciate the dedication to quality and detail that defines L’Atelier Paris.
The showroom joins L’Atelier Paris’ existing locations in Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City. The brand recently relocated their Miami showroom to the heart of Miami’s design district, continuing to expand the brand’s legacy and meet the ever increasing demand for custom luxury kitchens.
For more information about L’Atelier Paris Haute Design, or to check out the customizable ranges, please visit latelierparis.com. Imagery of L’Atelier Paris products can be found here. Renderings of the new showroom can be found here.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management today released its 2024 Defined Contribution (DC) Plan Participant Survey, shedding light on the dynamic changes in retirement savings and the evolving expectations of plan participants. The survey reveals a notable shift, with participants increasingly seeking robust retirement income support and enhanced resources for financial wellness and education. This year’s report also explores generational differences, revealing distinct preferences and behaviors across Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, while also highlighting the synergies between participant responses and sponsor views. Each year, the survey looks to gain a deeper understanding of how participants are thinking about their retirement plans and their overall financial pictures.
“While it’s no surprise that participants seek retirement income support, it’s particularly noteworthy that guaranteed income options are highly attractive and can even motivate increased savings,” said Alexandra Nobile, Retirement Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “Retirement plans continue to be a top priority for employees when evaluating employer benefits. It’s encouraging to see that SECURE 2.0 provisions, including emergency savings and student loan matching, are resonating strongly with plan participants.”
The results from the this year’s DC Plan Participant Survey of 1,503 participants explored views in four main areas: general savings and employer-sponsored benefits, advice, plan design and retirement income.
1. Broadening the savings scope:
Nine in 10 found financial wellness programs to be valuable, while 39% lack basic emergency savings, up from 27% in 2021.
The majority of participants found key SECURE 2.0 provisions, such as employer-sponsored emergency savings and student loan matching, to be appealing (69% and 66%, respectively).
Plan sponsor implications: Consider offering employees financial wellness support, like emergency savings, student loan debt matching, and financial education.
2. The need for professional guidance:
Three out of four participants express a desire for professional advice on investment decisions, yet only half currently receive such guidance.
Six out of 10 participants wish for an easy button where they can completely hand over retirement planning and investing to a professional.
Plan sponsor implications: educate participants about the value of professional guidance and offer it to plan participants.
3. The power of proactive plan design:
63% of participants acknowledge they are not saving enough for a financially secure retirement.
High favorability towards automatic enrollment and contribution escalation, with nearly nine out of 10 participants supporting these features.
Strong interest in target date funds, with 89% of participants finding them appealing.
Plan sponsor implications: utilize automatic features to increase participation and contribution rates and given the strong interest, consider defaulting into target date funds.
4. Insights into retirement income:
The average expected retirement age is 65, though industry research indicates that many may retire earlier due to unforeseen circumstances.
77% of participants are concerned about creating a steady retirement income stream, yet less than half have calculated their savings needs.
Nine in 10 express interest for in-plan solutions that provide guaranteed income in retirement. Guaranteed income was also a top motivator for participants to contribute more to their retirement plans.
Plan sponsor implications: explore retirement income offerings and consider offering in plan.
“The DC Plan Participant Survey highlights the critical need for proactive plan design, professional guidance, and innovative retirement income solutions,” said Alyson Frost, Head of Retirement Insights at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. “As participants face a volatile economic landscape, these insights are invaluable for plan sponsors and financial professionals aiming to enhance participant experiences and achieve stronger retirement outcomes,” said Frost.
For more information about the survey findings, please visit the DC Plan Participant Survey dedicated website.
Methodology
In January 2024, we partnered with Greenwald Research, a market research firm based in Washington, D.C., to conduct an online survey of 1,503 DC plan participants. To qualify for the study, each respondent had to be employed full-time at a for-profit organization with at least 50 employees, be at least 18 years old and have contributed to a 401(k) plan in the past 12 months.
Survey results have been weighted by age, gender and household income to reflect the overall makeup of the general population of 401(k) plan participants. In a similarly sized, random sample survey of general population respondents, the margin of error (at the 95% confidence level) for the total population in this study would be plus or minus approximately 2.8 percentage points.
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones encouraged nonprofit community behavioral health providers around Georgia to submit applications for the Veterans Mental Health Services Program Grant.
“I want to thank Commissioner Patricia Ross, her staff and everyone involved in providing services and resources for Georgia’s military and veteran community” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Programs like this one are critical to supporting our community providers who work every day to improve access to services for our military service members, veterans and their families. This includes expanding access for mental health services, which are essential for our brave men and women who continue to put their lives on the line for us. These heroes deserve our ultimate gratitude and support, and I will always prioritize funding for programs like these to ensure no one in our military and veteran communities is left behind.”
During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 414 and Governor Kemp signed it into law on April 25, 2023. That bill created the Veterans Mental Health Services Program under the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. The first round of funding was appropriated in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and total grant funding is $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2025.
Applicants must be nonprofit community behavioral healthcare providers with experience in treating military service members and veterans. Priority status will be given to providers located within 50 miles of a military base. Applications are open and due by July 31, 2024.
For additional information, please follow this link: https://veterans.georgia.gov/services/suicide-prevention-and-outreach/veterans-mental-health-services-program-grant
Lincoln Property Company (“Lincoln”), a global, full-service real estate firm, announced that it has arranged a 48,284-sq.-ft. headquarters office lease extension with Havertys Furniture Co. at Centrum at Glenridge in Sandy Springs. Lincoln represented ownership, CAMCO Investment Group, which recently acquired the property, in the transaction.
Lincoln’s Hunter Henritze, Michael Howell, and Robert deGolian represented CAMCO in the deal with Havertys. JLL’s Josh Hirsh and Patrick Baughman represented Havertys. Havertys, which was established in 1885, is a full-service home furnishings retailer and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
“We are thrilled to announce Havertys’ decision to re-commit to the Centrum office building for the next decade. The strategic location offers unparalleled visibility, excellent interstate access, and a vibrant array of lunch options nearby, making it an ideal environment for their continued success,” said Lincoln’s Henritze.
Lincoln was awarded management of the assignment. Senior Vice President Shane Froman, Senior Portfolio Manager Kelly Mulkey, and Senior Portfolio Manager Carlton Harden will oversee property management on behalf of CAMCO providing management, accounting, and construction management services. Lincoln will continue to serve as the leasing team for the property.
Lincoln recently completed renovations on the property, including a new first-floor community break room with a grab-and-go food concept, as well as upgrades to the fitness center. CAMCO plans to unveil a spec suite program in the coming months, with Lincoln handling construction management.
Other onsite amenities at Centrum at Glenridge, an eight-story, 186,827-sq.-ft. building, include a fully equipped conference center and covered parking. The building is approximately 200 ft. from a plethora of dining options. Sandy Springs is a popular area for national and multinational brands, and home to the corporate headquarters of Mercedes-Benz USA, UPS, Newell Brands and Inspire Brands.
The experts at AirportParkingReservations.com surveyed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport passengers across to reveal where they’d love to travel in 2024
Florida and California ranked top, with 32% of respondents naming these as the most popular travel destination
Hawaii ranked second with 26% of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Flyers opting for a vacation to the beautiful island
As summer vacation gets underway, the team at AirportParkingReservations.com surveyed travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to find out where they’d love to go in 2024. With 26% of passengers taking at least two domestic flights per year, we aimed to reveal their top travel destinations for this summer.
The most popular travel destinations for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport passengers:
|
Rank |
Where in the USA would you love to travel in 2024? |
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport % |
|
1 |
Florida |
33% |
|
1 |
California |
32% |
|
2 |
Hawaii |
26% |
|
3 |
New York |
18% |
|
3 |
Georgia |
18% |
|
4 |
Texas |
14% |
|
4 |
Tennessee |
14% |
|
5 |
Colorado |
11% |
|
5 |
Washington |
11% |
|
5 |
Louisiana |
11% |
New data found that 68% of passengers don’t plan on taking a flight overseas in 2024 – but what destinations are on your bucket list this summer?
Florida and California ranked at the top of the list. Data from our survey suggests that Georgia residents are keen on beach vacations this summer, with 55% of respondents indicating that beach destinations are their preferred choice when planning a getaway.
It’s no surprise that Hawaii came in second, with 26% of Georgia respondents expressing a desire to visit the island this year.
Europe Tops the Wish Lists for nearly half of Atlanta International Airport Travelers in 2024
Europe ranked as the top destination for overseas travelers, with 41% of passengers wishing to travel there. Africa came in second with 21%, followed closely by Australia at 18%.
|
Rank |
Where overseas would you love to travel in 2024? |
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport % |
|
1 |
Europe |
41% |
|
2 |
Africa |
21% |
|
3 |
Australia/Oceania |
18% |
|
4 |
Asia |
18% |
|
5 |
North America |
12% |
A Spokesperson from AirportParkingReservations.com said: “As an airport parking provider, we know how exciting it can be to plan a vacation, and we also understand the importance of being prepared for your journey. Here are our tips to ensure a safe and smooth trip when planning your vacation in 2024.
Travel Tips:
Plan Ahead and Arrive Early: Being late to the airport is a common cause of stress. To avoid this, plan your journey well in advance and aim to arrive at least two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours for international flights.
Pre-Book Your Parking: To reduce the risk of parking-related stress, pre-book your airport parking. This ensures you have a reserved spot and can head straight to your terminal without any delays. You can book your parking at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport through our site: Airport Parking Reservations.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on your flight status for any delays or cancellations. Being informed can help you manage your time better and make necessary arrangements in advance.
Pack Smart: Pack your essentials in your carry-on and ensure all your important documents and valuables are easily accessible. Limit single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives to reduce your environmental footprint.
Stay Healthy: Make sure you are well-rested and have snacks on hand to keep your energy levels up. This can help you stay calm and avoid stress-related disagreements.
Follow Security Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with TSA guidelines to ensure a smooth security check. Remove any prohibited items from your carry-on and be prepared to follow all security procedures.
By keeping these travel trends and tips in mind, you can enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience. Safe travels!
If you’re travelling out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport and want to pre book your parking to reduce any delays or risk – please check out our site using: https://airportparkingreservations.com/atl/airport-parking
SocialBites, a 6,000-square-foot innovative food hub, is set to debut in Sandy Springs off Roswell Road in late July. Imagine four incredible fast casual food brands under one roof, serving a variety of mouthwatering craveables, with a table service twist complemented by indoor/outdoor spaces, interactive decor, vibrant programming, a full bar and private event capabilities. SocialBites Sandy Springs is bringing together The Original Hot Chicken, INKED Tacos, Flametown Burgers, Pinsa Roman Pizza and BarSocial from the Experiential Brands portfolio to create a unique dining and interactive experience. That’s SocialBites – a new, soon-to-be go-to spot that is being transformed into a deliciously affordable hub of community connection.
At SocialBites, no one has to sacrifice their culinary desires to the larger group. Guests will satisfy their individual food cravings with multiple, reasonably priced restaurant options while spending more time connecting and less time navigating. Rather than separating to visit different food stalls for everyone to get what they want, SocialBites will offer four food concepts at one point of purchase or via kiosk for contactless ordering. Once the order is placed, guests grab a number, find a table, and food is delivered tableside with the convenience of a sit-down restaurant instead of everyone waiting counter side at different stalls. Multiple restaurant offerings, counter service with one point of purchase, and tableside delivery are just part of what differentiates a SocialBites Food Hub from the typical dining experience.
“We wanted to create a place where it’s easy for families and friends to enjoy high-quality, craveable food while connecting with each other, without breaking the bank,” said Aziz Hashim, Founder/Principal of Experiential Brands. “SocialBites offers a variety of delicious food options, great prices, and a welcoming environment filled with fun programming and entertainment that you don’t need a ticket or pay an upcharge to enjoy.”
Cure your craving with these options at SocialBites:
The Original Hot Chicken: Founded in Atlanta, GA, The Original Hot Chicken is known for its unique chicken tenders and sandos that are pickle-brined, southern-style, cornflake-rolled, and made-to-order at six different heat levels. Vegetarians and vegans can still enjoy the heat with Nashville-style Cauliflower Bites, and the restaurant will also offer a southwestern salad that can be topped with Nashville Hot Chicken or the Nashville-Style Cauliflower.
INKED Tacos: Born from a star-crossed love between culturally relevant American food and Mexican-inspired dishes, INKED Tacos is a Birria taqueria that will have guests addicted at first bite. Taco lovers can enjoy meat options like carne asada, grilled chicken, birria, and hot chicken or stick to vegetarian toppings – either way, INKED Tacos are full of flavor in every bite.
Flametown Burgers: Dig into the extraordinary at this burger and shake heaven originated in Atlanta, GA. Flametown Burgers offers made-to-order premium beef burgers in flavorful varieties, including candied jalapeno, queso bacon, and chipotle honey, paired with out-of-this-world sauces.
Pinsa Roman Pizza: Using the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques, Pinsa Roman Pizza offers Roman-style pizza that’s healthy, artisanal, and simply irresistible. The menu features a classic Margherita, a mushroom pizza featuring portobello mushroom sauce and gruyere cheese, and a Nashville Hot Chicken-inspired pie.
BarSocial: In addition to the four food concepts on the main level, the second level will house BarSocial, a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine, beer, boozy milkshakes, and other libations. Expect classic cocktails like cosmopolitans, margaritas, martinis, Manhattans and more, all of which can be made as non-alcoholic beverages. BarSocial will feature clustered, lounge-style soft seating, and can also be transformed into a private event space featuring a separate entrance and upstairs covered outdoor patio.
SocialBites will also offer a separate Shareables menu with easy options for a group to split and enjoy, including family-sized nachos, Nashville Hot Chicken cauliflower bites, queso fries, and hand-battered onion rings. Dessert will also be available, with options like Grandma’s Banana Pudding and premium flavored milkshakes in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and Oreo.
Beyond its culinary offerings, SocialBites encourages patrons to enrich the dining experience by cultivating connection through social activities, including life-sized versions of classic games like Connect 4, massive thought bubbles on walls with letters available for people to create their own messages, trivia nights, bingo, and live music. Additionally, the interior of the space will include two large screens, primarily used for occasions like the Olympics and Atlanta sporting events.
The Food Hub will also feature three patios, two on the main level and one upstairs, exclusive for BarSocial. The front patio will feature turf, Adirondack-style chairs, and a cornhole board, and the upper-level BarSocial patio, where guests will often be able to enjoy live music along with their libations.
SocialBites represents a new era in the dining space, as the concept is the solution for a formerly vacant large restaurant being converted into a Food Hub. Rather than leaving a closed restaurant with a perfectly functioning kitchen to sit vacant and constructing an entirely new building, SocialBites follows a model that encourages the reutilization of already existing spaces and transforms them into something new, innovative, and attractive to diners in the area. The building set to become SocialBites, located at 6650 Roswell Rd Ste 100, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, closed on Thursday, July 4 to officially convert the interior into that of a SocialBites Food Hub. SocialBites will then officially open later in July.
For more information about SocialBites, visit www.gosocialbites.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Renderings and interviews are available upon request.
For more information visit www.ghcc.com