Gathering to showcase growth of the district and community’s vision for 2024
Town Center Community will host its second annual State of the District on October 24 at 8 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Kennesaw. The event will highlight the district’s continued growth and success, vision for 2024 and winners of the 2023 Townie Awards, which recognize outstanding community leaders, developers and businesses in the Town Center area.
“From local businesses to Kennesaw State University and the Cobb County Airport, Town Center Community is home to a unique mix of stakeholders that are essential to our district’s vitality and prosperity,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of Town Center Community. “We are looking forward to recognizing this year’s many accomplishments and the opportunities 2024 has to hold.”
This year’s event will also include a “Town and Gown” panel discussion about how to build essential community partnerships that establish a foundation for continued vitality and prosperity of the Town Center area. Panelists include:
• Kathy Schwaig, president of Kennesaw State University (KSU)
• Justin Haight, director of talent partnerships, public policy at the Metro Atlanta Chamber
• Tracy Styf, Town Center Community executive director
Under Dr. Schwaig’s leadership, KSU recently made headlines following the release of a University System of Georgia report demonstrating a 10.3% increase in KSU’s economic impact in fiscal year 2022 to the tune of more than $2 billion. Haight serves at the forefront of public policy and workforce development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, building strategies to strengthen talent pipelines and help communities retain an educated workforce.
Eric S. Bosman, vice president at Kimley-Horn, who has more than two decades of experience in community planning and design, will moderate the panel.
All event proceeds will go to the Lanie Shipp Hoover Fund, which supports future trail, park and greenspace projects in the Town Center area. Tickets and event sponsorships are available online at towncentercid.com/surveys-events.
About the Town Center Community
Town Center Community is comprised of the Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) and its nonprofit partner, the Town Center Community Alliance.
The Town Center CID, established in 1997, is focused on safety, beautification, economic growth, and infrastructure improvements within the district. For larger infrastructure projects, the CID leverages its funding to complete the critical first steps like planning, studies, and initial concept design that make projects more competitive for federal, state, and local funding.
Established in 2015, the Town Center Community Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on bringing quality-of-life improvements and programs to the Town Center Community. The Alliance is run by a board of directors and relies on donations from the public, community partners, corporate sponsors, and the Town Center CID to fully fund and develop projects and programs. From public art and aesthetic fixtures to small parks and bikeshare, the Alliance helps attract businesses and residents to the area, boost economic development and shape a sense of community.
Together, the Town Center CID and the Alliance work to make Town Center Community one of the most accessible, prosperous and exciting areas in Metro Atlanta.
