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As a vital part of Atlanta’s thriving small business community, the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace Program (ABMP) is excited to launch Second Saturdays with the Atlanta Indie Market on October 12, 2024, running through November. This unique event, hosted at the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace locations, is designed to bring local artisans, crafters, and makers to the forefront, offering them the chance to be part of a Saturday night market alongside the participants in our small business incubator program.

What is the Indie Market Experience?

The Indie Market Experience is a series of night markets that will be held at two locations: Marketplace @ Allene (1089 Allene Avenue, S.W.) and Marketplace @ Freedom Parkway (under the Freedom Parkway Bridge). The events will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., giving local entrepreneurs and creatives  a prime opportunity to showcase their products to the Beltline’s bustling weekend crowd. This is not just another market—it’s a community experience that celebrates the best of Atlanta’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Why Your Business Should Be There

The Beltline attracts millions of visitors each year, and the Indie Market Experience provides a unique platform for small businesses to engage directly with a diverse audience of Atlanta residents and tourists. For businesses, this means unparalleled exposure, valuable sales opportunities, and the chance to become a staple in the community’s weekend plans.

A Perfect Fit for Artisans, Crafters, and Makers

This program, in partnership with the Atlanta Indie Market, is perfect for businesses that offer handcrafted goods, unique creations, and locally made products. Whether you’re an artisan showcasing your craft, a crafter with handmade goods, or a maker with innovative products, this event is designed to help you reach your audience directly on one of Atlanta’s most beloved paths.

What You Can Expect

High Foot Traffic

The Beltline’s popularity means that your business will be seen by thousands of passersby. The Saturday evening time frame is one of the busiest on the Beltline.

Opportunity to Reach a New Market

You can try out your wares on the people who use the Beltline and see what resonates with them to refine your crafts and offerings. 

Community Connection

You’ll be part of a community of entrepreneurs and will build connections with other vendors and the local community.

A Vibrant Atmosphere

Live music, food vendors, and a bustling environment will draw a diverse crowd.

How to Get Involved

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your business with the Beltline’s Second Saturdays night markets! Interested businesses are encouraged to secure their spot early and be part of this exciting initiative. For more information on how to participate, visit https://beltline.org/blog/beltline-marketplace-indie-market-experience/ and get ready to join us this fall.

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Atlanta Beltline is more than just a trail—it’s a movement that supports local businesses, fosters community, and showcases the best of Atlanta’s creative talent. Join us in making the Indie Market Experience a success by bringing your unique products to the Marketplace!

Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies is excited to announce the opening of its third location at Roswell Junction, a trendy, new food hall located at 340 S. Atlanta Street, Roswell, Georgia. The new location is set to open the first week of October, joining the brand’s existing spots at Halidom Eatery in East Atlanta, and a ghost kitchen serves the Buckhead area for pick-up and delivery. 

“We decided to expand due to the overwhelming response from customers in Buckhead and East Atlanta,” said Pamela Sharpe, owner/operator of Mad Dad’s Philly’s. “Our customers have been asking for more, and we’re happy to deliver!”

The popularity of food halls has risen across the greater Atlanta area, providing a space where food lovers can enjoy a variety of cuisines under one roof. “Food halls offer something for everyone in the family, making it a perfect dining destination,” said Orlando St. Cloud, Mad Dad’s Philly’s Operations Manager. “Our products are diverse and made fresh in front of customers using authentic ingredients. While there are plenty of Philly cheesesteak options in Atlanta, none match our dedication to putting the customer first and delivering the best product possible.”

“The new Roswell Location was facilitated by terra alma. Michaela Boone helped us identify the opportunity and guided us through the process,” said Chef Tony Sharpe, co-owner and Executive Chef of Mad Dad’s Philly’s.

In addition to its classic menu offerings, the Roswell location will introduce exciting new items, including Philly soft pretzels and a high-end Italian water ice called Pamela’s Pretty Ice.  The location will also offer a variety of vegan and healthier options, such as vegan Philly cheesesteaks titled the ‘Simon Gratz,’ salmon salad, and gluten-free choices served with yellow rice.

Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks and Hoagies has gained widespread recognition, including a recent Fox 5 Good Day Atlanta feature for its famous cheesesteaks. As a small, family-owned business with no corporate backing or partners, the restaurant’s success is a testament to Pamela and Tony Sharpe’s commitment to quality and authenticity. “When you support Mad Dad’s Philly’s, you’re supporting a small business and its dedicated team,” said Pamela. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of options, from traditional Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, vegan sandwiches, gluten-free options, salads, and signature wings. With over 30 years of restaurant consulting experience, the Sharpe family has created a space that honors Tony’s Philadelphia roots, importing key ingredients directly from Philly to ensure an authentic dining experience. Roswell Junction, located just south of the historic Roswell Square at 340 S. Atlanta Street, will feature eight diverse food concepts and three bars, including an indoor-outdoor bar and a 2,400-square-foot patio with a stage for live entertainment, games, and more. For more information about Mad Dad’s Philly’s, visit www.maddadsphillys.com. 

Michaela Boone of terra alma was the broker for the Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies transaction at Roswell Junction.

Restauranteurs or retailers interested in spaces encouraging activation and community should contact terra alma via phone at 404-436-1045 or by visiting www.terraalma.com.

In addition to ranking as the No. 1 Most Innovative college for the seventh consecutive year, Agnes Scott College has been named No. 3 among all colleges and universities in the country for First-Year Experiences in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. 

The college also placed No. 3 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, No. 4 for Social Mobility and No. 6 for Study Abroad. Agnes Scott is considered a Best Value by U.S. New & World Report at No. 28. 

“The first-year experience is an essential building block for a student’s academic, personal and professional success,” said Leocadia I. Zak, president of Agnes Scott College. “Our innovative curriculum combined with real-world experiences such as Global Journeys – a faculty-led global experience for every first-year student – prepares our students to claim their places in the community, workplace, and the world.”

 “Agnes Scott College takes a holistic approach to the student experience,” says Zak. “We combine an outstanding academic experience, appreciation for culture and diversity, internship and study abroad opportunities and an outstanding alumnae/i network to support student success. Innovation, academic excellence and the student experience are always at the forefront of what we do.”

 To learn more about Agnes Scott College, please visit agnesscott.edu. 

• The share of businesses currently using AI

• The share of businesses currently using AI to replace employee tasks

• The share of businesses planning to use AI within the next 6 months

• The share of businesses planning to use AI within the next 6 months to replace employee tasks

• The most common business use of AI

Report context:

AI has the potential to impact companies of all sizes and sectors—including small and local businesses. So far, larger businesses tend to be most likely to embrace AI technology. Among the largest firms—those with more than 250 employees—8.3% report using AI to produce their goods and services. Interestingly, however, the very smallest businesses also appear open to integrating AI into their work: businesses with one to four employees have the third-highest rate of AI adoption at 6.1%. These smaller companies are also the most likely to use AI to replace employee tasks.

While only around 5.5% of businesses report that they are currently using AI in the production of goods and services overall, AI adoption has been steadily increasing. This trend is expected to continue: just 3.7% of businesses were using AI 12 months ago, but 8.1% of firms report that they plan to use AI in the next six months.

Right now, 26.6% of the businesses already using AI are using it to replace employee tasks.

Ranking Methodology:

Using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Business Trends and Outlook Survey, researchers ranked U.S. states by the share of employer businesses that indicated they used AI in the production of goods or services in the previous two weeks. Some examples of AI include machine learning, natural language processing, virtual agents, and voice recognition.

Geographic and Industry-Related AI Adoption Trends:

• Firms in the South and Midwest tend to have the lowest rates of AI adoption. Western states, meanwhile, have higher rates of adoption than most of the country. Select Eastern states also rank highly.

• Some of this geographic divide may be driven by industrial factors. Fields like information (20.5%); professional, scientific, and technical (14.9%); and educational services (10.3%) are most likely to use AI, and those industries are also most common in the regions of the country where AI use in business is high.

• The fields that use AI the least include construction, transportation and warehousing, and accommodation and food services, all of which have less than 2% of firms using AI.

AI Adoption Among Georgia Businesses:

• In Georgia, 4.5% of businesses currently use AI.

• Of those, 26.9% use AI to replace employee tasks.

• An additional 6.2% of Georgia businesses are planning to adopt AI within the next six months.

Below is a complete data breakout for Georgia. The full results of the analysis include data on all 50 U.S. states.

Oct. 1 marks the beginning of InnovATL2024, a 19-day series of special events promoting entrepreneurs, creators, tech pioneers and influencers pushing metro Atlanta forward. Metro Atlanta is a center of creativity and influence that attracts global attention year after year, and the region is a natural home to this annual showcase convening innovators of all kinds. 

“InnovATL capitalizes on the world-class innovation ecosystem we have built over the years, and this year’s events showcase just how inclusive and wide-ranging our community is,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This intersection of corporations, higher education, startups, and creators makes for a catalyst for innovation and business growth.” 

Metro Atlanta continues to be known as a hub for startups and innovation. Last year, ambitious entrepreneurs across the 29-county area founded nearly 200,000 new startups and small businesses. This robust activity profoundly impacts Atlanta’s economy and demonstrates the tenacity and optimism of small businesses in the region.  

“This kind of community collaboration is an incredible strength for metro Atlanta,” said Mason Ailstock, president and CEO, Rowen Foundation. “Much like the mission of the Rowen Foundation, InnovATL convenes the components of the innovation ecosystem in a way that allows us to find solutions and achieve a more prosperous future, together.” 

Metro Atlanta’s inclusive and wide-ranging innovation community includes more than 200 companies on the Inc. 5000 list, 13 unicorn startups and a thriving corporate innovation ecosystem. Seventy percent of Fortune 500 companies have a presence in metro Atlanta, with many setting up R&D or innovation centers to tap into the region’s highly educated talent pool.

It is also home to globally recognized leadership in tech innovation as well as entertainment production, all fueled by a diverse talent pool from world-class universities.

The independently organized InnovATL (pronounced inno-VAY-tee-el) events feature a host of topics. Roughly grouped along four categories including corporate, startup, academic and creative industries, this year’s annual showcase convenes innovators of all kinds.

Attendees with a broad interest in technology or creative innovation have a slew of event options from which to choose. Those interested in a particular innovation community can narrow down to a single pathway to guide their activities throughout the event series. An InnovATL2024 pathway could follow any of several journeys:

• The Entrepreneurial Journey

• Innovation in Sports and Media

• Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

• Advancing Healthcare

For more information and a full description of events, visit www.InnovATL2024.com. Listed below are just a few of the possible pathways to navigate events where creators, innovators and founders will converge to shape the future.

Pathway #1: The Entrepreneurial Journey

Event: Venture Atlanta

Date: Oct. 8-9

Location: Woodruff Arts Center

Venture Atlanta supports the Southeast’s most promising tech companies by connecting founders and funders through one of the nation’s largest venture capital conferences and communities.

Event: Atlanta Startup Awards

Date: Oct. 1

Location: Tech Square ATL

The Atlanta Startup Awards recognizes and celebrates the city’s most successful rising tech companies, startup pioneers, and disruptive innovators. 

Event: Techstars Atlanta Powered by Cox Enterprises

Date: Oct. 9

Location: Woodruff Arts Center

Join the Techstars Atlanta team to hear this years’ class of founders as they tell their stories and pitch their businesses and discuss Atlanta’s rising status as a global hub for innovation and tech entrepreneurship.

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Pathway #2: Innovation in Sports and Media

Event: Avant South

Date: Oct. 7

Location: Georgia Tech 

Avant South is a dynamic event that bridges innovation, technology, and culture. The program convenes top leaders from Atlanta’s media, entertainment, sports, arts, and business industries to discuss how emerging technologies can impact the future.

Event: Atlanta Digital World Summit

Date: Oct. 1

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Delta Sky360 Club 

Through four panel discussions featuring top digital businesses & executives in Georgia, the Atlanta Digital World Summit will discuss the current state of entertainment, gaming, sports and fintech industries. 

Event: DreamHack Atlanta

Date: Oct. 4-6

Location: Georgia World Congress Center 

DreamHack Atlanta is an immersive gaming experience where the community comes to life. The 2024 festival is DreamHack’s sixth installment in Atlanta, and this year will offer $1.1 million in prize money across 20 competitions open to fans of all skill levels. 

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Pathway #3: Entrepreneurship in Higher Education

Event: Built in the Burbs Speaker Series

Date: Oct. 15

Location: Cobb Chamber

HatchBridge Incubator, a collaboration between Kennesaw State University and the Cobb Chamber, is an incubator focused on supporting scalable business in the Atlanta suburbs. The “Built in the Burbs” speaker series is entering its second year. 

Event: HackATL

Date: Oct. 17-19

Location: Emory University

HackATL is the most prominent business hackathon in the southeast, attracting hundreds of students from dozens of top universities to compete for prize money. Participants are given 48 hours to develop a prototype and pitch to judges, angel investors, and venture capitalists. 

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Pathway #4: Advancing Healthcare

Event: Rowen Foundation Convergence Summit

Date: Oct. 10

Location: 11Ten Innovation Lab

The Convergence Summit explores the convergence of medicine, agriculture, and the environment to address the most pressing issues facing the world over the next century: how we produce our food, power our planet, and provide medical care for the global population. 

Event: Women’s Global Leadership Conference

Date: Oct. 9

Location: Agnes Scott College

This year’s conference focuses on inclusive health equity, bringing together voices that advance new and intersectional partnerships and ideas. From scholars to executives to activists, this community will work towards new strategies to end disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes.

SMB Travel Research Resources

Best Travel and Tourism Research Websites The success of your marketing and advertising campaigns is highly dependent on good customer research. Without it, you’re kind of flailing in the dark. In this post, I introduce 6 sources of travel market research for tour companies, DMOs, and travel agencies. General market research might be reassuring or…

Americans are increasingly concerned about the future of Medicare, with nearly two-thirds (63%) fearing the program will not be there when they need it, according to the annual Nationwide Retirement Institute^® Health Care Costs in Retirement survey. When asked about their biggest retirement planning stressor, one in five (20%) selected Medicare running out of money.

As Americans’ fears about the long-term solvency of Medicare grow, many want meaningful reforms. When thinking about the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, more than two in five (42%) said the top health care priority for the next administration to address should be ensuring Medicare’s stability, just behind lowering out-of-pocket health care costs (43%) and lowering prescription drug prices (43%). Notably, these reforms have some bipartisan support for the next administration to address with 47% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans prioritizing Medicare’s stability, and 47% of Democrats and 44% of Republicans wanting lower prescription drug prices to be addressed.

“Concerns about the future of Medicare are adding another layer of uncertainty for Americans as they consider how they’ll manage health care costs in retirement,” said Kristi Martin Rodriguez, senior vice president of the Nationwide Retirement Institute. “With high living costs already squeezing household budgets, many are worried about having enough saved to cover their long-term health care. Given the current pressures and potential for future health care cost increases, it is never too early to begin planning for health care expenses in retirement.”

The survey found that high costs remain a major barrier for many Americans trying to build a solid financial safety net, with rising health care expenses exacerbating their concerns and financial stress. For example:

• 67% worry a single large health care issue could ruin their finances for years to come
• 49% said medical and health expenses have drastically reduced how much they saved/will be able to save for retirement
• 44% could not pay off an unexpected $5K health care out-of-pocket expense
• 25% have canceled in the past 12 months or are considering cancelling/postponing getting an annual physical this year due to high inflation

AI in health care: Streamlining costs and increasing life spans

Artificial intelligence offers promising solutions, potentially making health care more affordable while transforming the industry. By automating routine tasks and enhancing diagnostic accuracy, AI has the potential to improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery. Many Americans share this optimism, with 53% expecting AI to enhance the quality of health care, 45% believing it will discover cures for chronic conditions that they may develop in the future, and 33% believing that AI could extend their life expectancy. Those who expect AI will add to their lifespans expect it will add approximately 10 years on average.

Although this progress is encouraging, it also suggests retirees might bear health care costs for more years. This has led to concerns for 62% of Americans who worry about living for a long-time and running out of money in retirement.

To prepare for this possibility, some Americans (18%) say they plan to update their retirement plans to accommodate for longer lifespans, but far too many may be unprepared for managing higher health expenses that could come with longer retirements.

Seeking help from a financial professional is key

The survey found that two-thirds (66%) currently do not work with a paid financial professional even though many Americans have clear knowledge gaps when it comes to paying for health care in retirement. For example, 54% are unable to estimate how much their annual health care costs would be/are in retirement and one-third (34%) admit they do not know how Medicare works to cover medical costs in retirement.

Despite these knowledge gaps, Americans overwhelmingly want expert guidance. A majority (83%) say managing health care costs should be part of personal financial planning, with over a third (37%) strongly agreeing. Yet more than half (57%) report that their financial professional has not provided advice on how and when to file for Medicare benefits.

“Now more than ever, seeking guidance from financial professionals is essential,” added Rodriguez. “Advisors should proactively address health care costs, from Medicare to AI’s potential impact on life expectancies, to help ensure their clients’ savings last as long as they will need to. A well-informed plan is key to securing financial futures.”

To help financial professionals guide these conversations, Nationwide’s Health Care Cost Assessment tool uses proprietary health risk analysis and updated actuarial cost data to help financial professionals and clients estimate future medical and long-term care expenses.

To learn more about the 2024 Nationwide Retirement Institute Health Care Costs in Retirement consumer survey, visit www.nationwide.com/healthcarecosts. In addition, financial professionals can visit www.nationwide.com/simplifyhealthcarecosts to learn more.

View an infographic and blog post for more on this data.

Nationwide, widely recognized as a leading personal lines property and casualty insurance company, offers so much more than just great home and auto insurance. The company has evolved into a financial services powerhouse, providing a wide range of retirement and investment solutions to help Americans protect their financial futures, along with offering financial solutions for businesses.

Nationwide continues to lead the way with its diverse range of financial solutions and thought leadership, ranking No.1 in 457(b) retirement plans, company-owned life insurance and universal life. Nationwide also ranks in the top ten for linked benefit long-term care insurance, traditional variable annuities and fixed indexed annuities, with forty-eight 4- or 5-star Morningstar rated mutual funds¹. Nationwide has established itself as a leader and innovative thinker in the industry with its suite of Protected Retirement solutions designed to help defined contribution plan participants convert their savings into lifetime income. Nationwide is also the nation’s No. 1 agribusiness insurer, a leader in excess & surplus lines and standard business insurance, and a top pet insurer. Founded to protect and built on trust, Nationwide has spent nearly 100 years safeguarding what people value most: their families, businesses, and futures.

As travel continues to evolve with the preferences of different generations, new data from InsureMyTrip reveals travel patterns across Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z vary significantly, particularly in terms of preferred travel seasons.

Understanding these trends can help travelers make better choices when planning their vacations, including the best times to find deals, avoid crowds, or experience specific weather conditions.

Most Popular Travel Seasons by Generation

Boomers:

Baby Boomers prefer the cooler, more tranquil months of fall and spring. With a focus on comfort and avoiding the busiest times, Boomers are often seeking cultural experiences and slower-paced travel.

1. Fall
2. Spring
3. Summer
4. Winter

Gen X:

Generation X travelers favor the classic summer vacation season, followed closely by the vibrant beauty of spring. They prioritize family vacations and often plan trips around school schedules and holiday breaks.

1. Summer
2. Spring
3. Fall
4. Winter

Millennials

Like Gen X, Millennials prefer to travel during the summer, followed by spring and fall. They often look for adventure and unique experiences, with an eye toward exploring new destinations.

1. Summer
2. Spring
3. Fall
4. Winter

Gen Z

The youngest generation of travelers is most eager to explore during the warmer months. However, they show a greater inclination to embrace winter travel more than any other generation, with fall being the least popular season.

1. Summer
2. Spring
3. Winter
4. Fall

Travel Insurance Year-Round

No matter what season travelers prefer, considering comprehensive travel insurance is essential. From unexpected delays to health emergencies, travel insurance protects travelers and their loved ones from unforeseen expenses.

Whether you’re planning a family trip in the summer or an off-peak fall getaway, being covered with the right policy means you can enjoy your journey knowing you’re prepared for anything.

Media Contact:
Meghan Kayata
Press@insuremytrip.com