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DeKalb County Public Library announced today that it is asking DeKalb residents to take a survey or join a focus group as part of its strategic planning process. The Library will use the feedback and suggestions to help inform its direction and services over the next few years. 

Survey

To take the brief survey, go to dekalblibrary.org/survey. Responses will be accepted through Oct. 31, 2024. 

Focus Groups

Residents have the opportunity to participate in a focus group on either Oct. 22 or Oct. 29. Each focus group session will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will last around 90 minutes. A moderator will facilitate the sessions. 

Registration is required for participation, and the maximum number of participants will be limited based on meeting room space. To register, go to dekalblibrary.org/focusgroup and select a focus group date.

Dates and locations:

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024               Chamblee Library

          Time: 6:30-8 p.m.                                 4115 Clairmont Rd.

                                                                      Chamblee, GA  30341

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024               Stonecrest Library

           Time: 6:30-8 p.m.                                 3123 Klondike Rd.

                                                                     Stonecrest, GA  30038

For more information, visit dekalblibrary.org/news/strategicplan. 

Gwinnett County has once again earned the highest possible bond ratings, securing triple AAA/Aaaratings from Moody’s Investors Services, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.

The excellent credit ratings allow Gwinnett County to issue bonds at favorable rates, reducing long-term borrowing costs and generating savings for taxpayers. Analysts from the three agencies commended the county government for its robust economic foundation, low debt levels and proactive financial planning.

Leveraging these top ratings, the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the issuance of $17.2 million in revenue bonds through the Urban Redevelopment Agency for Phase II of the Gwinnett Place Mall redevelopment project. The 20-year bonds, priced at an interest rate of 4.7%, will finance the acquisition of the Macy’s and Macy’s Furniture Store sites at the mall. The purchase of these key properties will further the County’s efforts to redevelop the mall and transform it into a vibrant economic hub.

“Receiving the highest rating once again is a testament to our commitment to sound financial management and dedication to serving residents effectively,” said Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “Our team has worked tirelessly to keep Gwinnett County financially resilient, even as we navigate new growth and development opportunities. This rating affirms our promise to manage taxpayer dollars wisely, allowing us to continue delivering top-notch services and infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life in our community.”

The recent evaluations by the rating agencies underscore Gwinnett’s budget flexibility, low debt burden and conservative fiscal policies, which position the county to handle future challenges effectively. Notably, Moody’s cited the county’s strong economic standing within the growing Atlanta metro area and its prudent use of property and sales tax revenues to fund capital projects.

Gwinnett is one of only 53 counties nationwide to hold this elite AAA/Aaa rating from all three major credit rating agencies, a distinction achieved by less than 2% of counties across the U.S.

 As many as two-thirds of Americans have no estate plan. The results of a new national survey of 280 financial advisors from leading online estate platform Trust & Will may explain why: almost half of those not affiliated with Trust & Will don’t offer estate planning services to their clients, and 25% of those don’t have estate plans themselves. Yet, 98% of all those surveyed said they believe financial advisors should encourage people to create estate plans.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows there are over 330,000 financial advisors in the U.S. who help clients manage their finances. While many focus on growing wealth during the boom years and maximizing savings during retirement, Trust & Will’s findings show that there is an opportunity for financial advisors to discuss and help clients navigate estate planning needs. Not doing so may result in protracted probate battles, high fees, and general confusion when it comes to bequests and the deceased’s final wishes as demonstrated in Trust & Will’s probate study.

Doug Luftman, Chief Legal Counsel at Trust & Will, emphasized the disconnect: “Financial advisors may prioritize investments, insurance, and retirement, often deferring estate planning to attorneys or until later. However, estate planning is essential for ensuring that both advisors and their clients are protected in unforeseen situations. This is an opportunity for advisors to add value by integrating estate planning into their services—not only for their clients but for themselves.”

Why Estate Planning Matters

The Trust & Will survey was administered to two distinct respondent groups: financial advisors who are affiliated with Trust & Will, and those who are not. Of those who are not, 97% reported that estate planning is essential, even for those individuals with modest assets. A majority of advisors (59%) believe estate planning should start at a net worth of $250,000 or less, challenging the notion that estate planning is only for the wealthy.

Data showed that Baby Boomers dominate estate planning: 72% of advisors say they’re the primary client base: As the “Great Wealth Transfer” looms, Baby Boomers are at the forefront, making estate planning a critical service.

Luftman added, “Advisors often face the same obstacles their clients do—time, uncertainty, or the belief that estate planning can wait. But life is unpredictable. By taking steps to secure their own estate plans, advisors set an example and can better advocate for their clients to do the same, ensuring that families avoid unnecessary financial stress in difficult times.”

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is officially delivering $1.3 billion through the bipartisan infrastructure law to expand high-speed internet across Georgia.

Today, Sen. Ossoff announced the official delivery of $1,302,214,376.65 through the bipartisan infrastructure law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to expand broadband internet across Georgia, helping more Georgia families access reliable internet service for education, health care, jobs, agriculture, and more.

The $1.3 billion investment will be administered and deployed through the State of Georgia with a particular goal of bringing broadband internet to rural and underserved communities that are lacking this essential connectivity.

The State of Georgia’s Broadband Program will soon open applications for local governments, internet service providers, and nonprofit organizations, among others, to apply for the Federal funding.

“Our historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Georgia. Last year, we announced this $1.3 billion in Federal funding to surge broadband connectivity across our state, and today’s announcement is a major next step toward ensuring every Georgia family and business has high-speed Internet,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Raimondo, and Assistant Secretary Davidson for supporting our efforts to expand high-speed internet in Georgia.”

In 2022, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock also delivered an additional $250 million expansion of high-speed internet for businesses and families across Georgia through the American Rescue Plan. 

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta (GSGATL) today announced the following additions and changes to their Board of Directors.

Appointees include:

Susan Lazaro – Director, Merchandising Solutions, The Coca-Cola Company. Susan will serve as the new board chair.

Kat Marran – Retired VP of Marketing, UPS; Former Interim CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Kat will serve as vice chair of the board of directors.

Jay Bailey – President and CEO, H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. Jay will serve on the board of directors and the board development committee 

Terri-Nichelle Bradley – CEO and Founder, Brown Toy Box. Terri-Nichelle will serve on the board of directors and the finance committee.

Andre Greenwood – Market Leader/President for Aetna Better Health of Georgia. Andre will serve on the board of directors and the finance committee.

Shannon Longino – Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing, Truist. Shannon will serve on the board of directors and the fund development committee.

Melissa Proctor – Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. Melissa will serve on the board of directors and the fund development committee.

Helen Tarleton – Director, Employee & Community Engagement UCB, Inc. Helen will serve on the board of directors and the fund development committee.

Kama Winters – President, Delta Vacations. Kama will serve on the board of directors and the fund development committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest board and committee members, each bringing expertise and passion to our cause,” said Jai Ferrell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. “The diversity of their experience is invaluable in developing strategic goals and advancing our shared vision of bringing the Girl Scout leadership program to every girl who wants to belong.”

“As I begin my first Girl Scout year, I’m filled with energy, enthusiasm, and optimism,” Ferrell said. “The future of Girl Scouts is bright.”

The Board of Directors is responsible for GSGATL’s overall governance, fiscal oversight, and continued growth. GSGATL serves more than 23,000 girls in 34 counties.

Next Stock Market Crash Forecast

Will the Stock Market Crash? Why might a US stock market crash be imminent? As you’ll read below, the equity markets are artificially manufactured based on financial supports (stimulus) that could disappear.  There is a lot of hype, unrealistic expectations, and a US balance sheet that doesn’t look all that great. This precarious financial situation…

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia’s September unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, unchanged from a revised 3.6 percent in August. The unemployment rate was five-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.

“Every job created represents another paycheck in the pocket of hardworking Georgians,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With record-breaking job growth, an expanding workforce, and rising key industries, we’re continuing to build better lives for families across our state. This is the foundation for lasting economic success that makes a difference in the lives of individuals and families every day.”

Jobs were up by 6,800 over the month and up by 66,900 over the year to 4,990,300, an all-time high.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 4,700; Accommodation and Food Services, 3,200; Specialty Trade Contractors, 1,100; Personal Services, 800; and State Government, 700.

Jobs were down over-the-month in Private Educational Services, -1,400; Transportation and Warehousing, -1,000; Information which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -900; Wholesale Trade, -900; and Durable Goods Manufacturing, -600. Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 694,100, and Leisure and Hospitality, 535,700.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 27,100; Accommodation and Food Services, 16,400; Local Government, 8,600; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 7,100; and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 6,600.

Jobs were down over-the-year in Administrative and Support Services, -16,200; Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -4,900; Wholesale Trade, -3,200; and Transportation and Warehousing, -1,100.

The labor force was up by 4,777 to 5,415,469, an all-time high, and was up by 87,141 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate held at 61.8 percent.

The number of employed was up by 1,761 to 5,219,868, an all-time high, and was up by 63,889 over the past 12 months.

The number of unemployed was up by 3,016 to 195,601, the highest level since July 2021, and was up by 23,252 over the past 12 months.

Initial claims were down by 3,598 over the month to 19,600 in September. Initial claims were down by 1,365 over the year.