The Atlanta 100 | 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Why I Remain an Optimist

I learned the song, "He's Got The Whole World in His Hands," as a child. I still believe it.

I don’t sweat small stuff. With my granddaughter joining our planet, I worry about long-term issues – climate change and nuclear war.

Yet, I remain an optimist. Not because I trust in any human – quite the contrary – I don’t trust us. I trust God, who created our beautiful world and certainly wouldn’t let us incinerate it.

Brinkmanship with North Korea? Boils down to understanding and communication as a recent Fresh Air interview confirmed. Climate change? Surely, divinely inspired innovation will deliver a technological solution to reduce carbon in our atmosphere. He has a plan. I can’t wait to witness it.

– Chris Schroder SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Amazon’s Hunt, Continued

Is Assembly Yards the most logical choice for Amazon's Atlanta HQ2?

Last week, I wrote about Amazon’s search for HQ2. This week, let’s look at possible sites for Amazon, should Georgia be on its mind.

Amazon has a preference for: a metro area with 1 million+ people, business-friendly environment, location with potential to attract strong talent, and communities that think big.

Some have pointed to Atlanta’s Westside, the Gulch and Assembly Yards as possible locations. While all of these areas could accommodate at least some of Amazon’s wish list, Assembly Yards would be the most logical choice – with its MARTA connection, accessibility and in-place incentives. What do you think?

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Celebrating People, Projects and Places We Love

Arun Nijhawan of Lucror Resources accepts the Project of the Year award from this year's ULI Atlanta awards program.

Last week, ULI Atlanta held its 23rd Annual Awards for Excellence program, which aims to recognize an outstanding real estate development or initiative that exemplifies ULI’s mission.

More than 450 commercial real estate pros attended the dinner held at the Fox Theatre and chaired by MARTA’s Amanda Rhein. FlatIron City took home the top prize of Project of the Year, while Vantage Realty and Fabric Developers’ project, Parsons Alley in Duluth, took home a Development of Excellence award.

Relay Bike Share was also a winner, taking home the Building Healthy Places awards, and Station Soccer won the Social Innovation Award.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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Events

Weekend Watch: Sept. 22-24

Atlanta hosts a variety of events every weekend, from food festivals to pet shows. (Photo courtesy of Eric Rothermel on Unsplash)

Living in a city as big and bustling as Atlanta, it’s easy to either be overwhelmed by events or feel out of the loop. Solve these dilemmas by checking out our list to get a rundown of the happenings this weekend.

Food: Cheese Fest Atlanta in Old Fourth Ward Historic Park, Saturday

Drinks: Zoo Atlanta’s Sippin’ Safari, Saturday

Fitness: Hip Hop Yoga at City Winery, Saturday

Culture: the Atlanta Hungarian Festival or Discover France Wine & Food Festival, Sunday

Music: Imagine Music Festival, Friday-Sunday

Family fun: 32^nd annual Sandy Springs Festival (food, pets, a 5k and more!), Saturday-Sunday

– Mackenzie Welsh, SPR Atlanta

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sports

Website, Logo for Super Bowl LIII Revealed

The unveiled logo for the Super Bowl focuses on the unique design of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Super Bowl won’t be played in Atlanta until February 3rd, 2019, but preparations are already underway. Last week the city unveiled all of their social media channels for the upcoming event, as well as a sharp website and logo.

The logo is based on an aerial view of the now-open Mercedes-Benz Stadium, showcasing the unique structure of the adjustable roof.

Super Bowl LIII will be the third such event hosted by Atlanta and the first since Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. Expectations are high, with last year’s event drawing a record television audience of 172 million viewers.

– Preston Thompson, SPR Atlanta

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Community

Small Church. Big Impact.

As soon as Hurricane Harvey hit, Light of the World Christian Church in Stockbridge put out a plea. In just days, supplies started rolling in. The small congregation gathered enough diapers, baby wipes, non-perishable food and more to help a family of 10 evacuees get settled.

“They brought a trailer full of stuff…” said one evacuee. “They showered us with love.”

Donations kept coming! Enough to fill two trucks bound for Houston and still help another displaced family. Funds are now being sent to help with Irma recovery.

The church is known for a “legacy of love.” It shows.

– Kimberly Vining, KQ Communications

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travel

Gulf Shores Getaway

Tower at Turquoise Place in Gulf Shores, Alabama

One of two towers at Turquoise Place in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Guests can hang out in a hot tub on their balcony with a view of the ocean. Does it get better than that?

If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions, white-as-snow beaches and a variety of fun restaurants, Gulf Shores, Alabama, is the perfect option for a vacation.

More than 85% of accommodations are condos. We stayed in Turquoise Place, an upscale property with huge living areas and well-equipped kitchen. The large balcony included a grill and hot tub, two features I’d never seen at a beachfront property.

Amenities include five pools with two indoors, playground, tennis courts, sauna and steam room. My favorite to truly chill? The lazy river. Beach chairs and water sports equipment are available for rent.

For more on why you want to visit Gulf Shores, visit here.

— Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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music

Music Scene Hits High Notes This Week

Promotional shot for Thomas Rhett's new (and first #1) album "Life Changes."

It has been an exciting week in music, especially for Atlanta. One of its biggest events, Music Midtown, came back for its seventh year with another amazing line-up. But that is only the beginning.

Several artists/bands played at dozens of Atlanta’s local venues, but the most exciting news comes from Johns Creek’s 10-year-old superstar Angelica Hale who serenaded the “America’s Got Talent” stage once again, becoming the first finalist from Metro Atlanta.

In charting news, Taylor Swift continues to dominate with little effort, and Georgia native Thomas Rhett received his first #1 album with “Life Changes.”

– Nathan Best SPR Atlanta

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The Millennial Motorist

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

How does the 2018 Elantra GT fare against a VW Golf, the hatchback king?

You don’t often hear “Hyundai,” “sporty” and “six-speed” in the same sentence, but that’s precisely what the 2018 Elantra GT offers. A practical hatchback with a peppy personality, the Elantra GT hopes to pry buyers away from the incumbent hatchback king, the Volkswagen Golf.

Offering a cushier ride and more space, the Elantra GT is more livable on a daily basis than its German rival. But those seeking a premium interior or precision driving dynamics should stick with VW; the Elantra GT is more of an all-rounder than a performance bargain.

The Elantra GT starts at $18,800.

– Chris Butsch, The Millennial Motorist

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history

Albany Native Ray Charles Turns 87

Ray Charles performing for the Georgia General Assembly

Ray Charles performs for the Georgia General Assembly in 1979.

One of Georgia’s most legendary performers would have turned 87 this Sunday, September 23. Despite being blinded at age five, Ray Charles revolutionized the music industry with a blend of jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues.

Charles hit the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 with “Georgia on My Mind.” After a performance for the Georgia General Assembly in 1979, it was designated Georgia’s official state song.

Before his death in 2004, Charles also performed at two presidential inaugurations: Ronald Reagan’s and Bill Clinton’s. Ray Charles Square in Albany honors the music icon that called it home.

– Preston Thompson, SPR Atlanta

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Events

Explore Atlanta’s Architecture, Behind the Scenes

Open House Atlanta is a free event open to the public. (Photo courtesy of Open House Atlanta)

If you’ve ever found yourself curious about the stories behind Atlanta’s extraordinary architecture and the value the buildings bring to the city, Open House Atlanta is the event for you.

The inaugural event, which follows the example of an event pioneered in London, gives Atlanta residents a free “backstage pass” to more than 40 buildings across the city. Attendees can explore the buildings, learn their histories and hear about the importance of architecture.

Whether you’re interested in parks, churches, homes, offices or something else, Open House Atlanta has something for you, so mark your calendar for October 21 and 22.

– Mackenzie Welsh, SPR Atlanta

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restaurants

Make Your Reservations for New South Culinary Week

Reservations at participating restaurants in New South Culinary Week can be made through OpenTable. (Photo courtesy of Murphy's)

As a lover of food and a great deal, my ears perked up when I heard about New South Culinary Week, a new event featuring some of Atlanta’s best restaurants.

The reimagined take on Buckhead and Midtown Restaurant Weeks, the weeklong celebration offers Atlanta diners the opportunity to try the city’s most notable dishes from the finest restaurants in town. Stretching from King + Duke in Buckhead to Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland, each participating restaurant will offer either a brunch, lunch or dinner menu at a set price.

New South Culinary Week starts Sunday, October 1, and ends Sunday, October 8.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Management

Generation Z Has Different Priorities

Generation Z makes up one-fourth of the U.S. population. Its oldest members are now in their early 20s.

Unlike millennials, Generation Z (born after 1995) grew up in uncertain times, so they have different priorities. This is important for employers to know, because members of Generation Z are now seeking their first jobs.

Three things to know about Generation Z employees:

– They like to communicate via social media. Post jobs via their preferred platforms: YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram.

– Company culture is important to them, so show you care about your employees.

– They seek stability. Discuss long-term career opportunities, even if it’s a part-time job.

To retain Generation Z employees, offer flexibility, growth opportunities and job security.

– Christina Norton, Revenue Management Solutions

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The NC Guy

US Data Breach Crisis

Know what to do after a data breach.

Crises can arise at any time and through no fault of your own. Protecting your personal brand is always at the center of good crisis planning.

As long as we rely on technology, we leave ourselves open to threats, including the most recent data breach at Equifax that potentially affects nearly 150 million people. We receive phishing emails regularly, and every time you swipe a credit card, you open the door to disaster.

There are resources available outlining the proper steps to mitigate these potential crises as to not affect you, your family or your business for years to come.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

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Business Tips

How to Join the ‘Videoification’ of the Internet

All consumers are captivated by video. Learn how to capitalize on this with tips from Tegna.

In 2016, video accounted for 67% of all internet traffic and will account for 80% of all internet traffic by 2021.

Roughly 70% of consumers view brands more positively after watching video content from them. Moreover, after watching an online video, 40% of consumers visited a store or website and 28% made a purchase.

Learn how to use online video to reach local consumers, including tips on how to:

– Increase your reach within targeted markets using OTT.

– Take advantage of social media algorithms that favor video.

– Experiment with Facebook Live.

– Showcase longer-form videos on your own website & YouTube Channel.

— Local Louisiana Marketing Blog, TEGNA Local Louisiana

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The 100 Guy

From Denali to Dubai

The Alaska 100 launched last week, joining 13 other members of The Atlanta 100 family.

Four years ago next month, when we first emailed The Atlanta 100 as a surprise new eNewsletter to 18,000 readers, we had no idea we’d soon be part of a growing PR publishing network stretching from Denali to Dubai.

Last Thursday, The Alaska 100 launched with 15 100-word stories, including an article about the national park surrounding North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, turning 100! Thompson & Co. PR firm joins SPR and others around the globe publishing 100-second videos and articles on topics of intrigue.

We can now publish our clients’ stories to nearly 300,000 global readers.

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

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Design

The Beauty of Buskers

Street performer wearing a corset and tutu outside.

Baton Bob is an Atlanta street performer known for his eclectic outfits. (Photo courtesy of WABE)

From magicians to break dancers to “statues,” cities everywhere are filled with buskers – another word for street performers. However, these entertainers provide more than just a show. Buskers create crowds, get strangers to make eye contact and create shared cultural experiences.

Buskers are increasingly being recognized for helping to create place within our cities. These performers add local flavor to a city, don’t require extra infrastructure or funds, are popular with tourists and present self-contained, unique shows.

Next time you see Baton Bob dazzling on Peachtree Street, thank that local celebrity for helping our city become a better place.

– Ash Serrano, HGOR

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Atlanta BeltLine

Final Pour of BeltLine’s Westside Trail

Click and view the 100-second slideshow above to see the celebratory party for the BeltLine’s new Westside Trail construction team.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Atlanta BeltLine’s new Westside Trail are officially scheduled for September 29, yet celebrations are already taking place.

Astra Group, which has built all BeltLine segments within the 22-mile corridor, hosted a “final pour” celebration commemorating the final installation of concrete on the three-mile Westside segment. The celebration at Lean Brew House brought together Astra and community leaders, who thanked all the construction workers for their hard work.

In addition to concrete, Astra installed a half-mile of custom metal rails along entranceways and 80,000 square feet of granite veneer on trailside walls.

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Center for Leadership Class Announced

Group of graduates posing, smiling and holding the thumbs up sign.

ULI Atlanta's Center for Leadership Class of 2017 at their graduation. (Courtesy of ULI Atlanta)

The Atlanta District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) announced its Center for Leadership Class.

“Participating in the Center for Leadership provides an opportunity to get out of your ‘silo’ and learn from a curriculum, speakers, site tours and experiences that you otherwise would not have access to,” said Principal of Knox Properties, and CFL Chair of the Class of 2018, Hardman Knox.

The nine-month Leadership program for emerging leaders in the real estate and land-use sectors allows them the opportunity to learn from industry- and public-sector leaders how to navigate issues that impact their industries.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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Events

MillerLite Free Rides for Falcons Fans

Miller Lite advertisement for free rides.

Free rides from Miller Lite and its partners will be first-come, first-served; quantities are limited.

What’s better than a cold beer while watching your favorite NFL team compete? Not driving under the influence after the game.

For the fourth season, Miller Lite, in partnership with MARTA and United Distributors, is providing Falcons fans free round-trip Breeze cards to be handed out at select MARTA stations this Sunday, and Sunday, October 1. In the 2016-2017 season, Miller Lite provided 25,000 free rides to Falcons fans.

This Sunday, representatives from Miller Lite will be handing out Breeze cards at the HE Holmes, Indian Creek, College Park and Lindbergh MARTA stations from 5:30-8:30PM.

–Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Atlanta to Amazon: Pick Me!

Amazon is looking for HQ2, a second headquarters that could hold 50,000 jobs, that would be similar to its Seattle campus, above, courtesy of Amazon.

Last week, e-commerce giant Amazon surprised us when it announced it’s in the market for “HQ2,” a second North American headquarters. In its request for proposals, Amazon said it wanted its second headquarters to be the “equal” of its Seattle base of operations.

Though articles are already proclaiming Denver, Raleigh or Austin as clear frontrunners, Atlanta shows promise for landing the headquarters. Atlanta has the people, the right (and growing) labor pool, high quality of life with relatively affordable real estate and available land.

The RFP response deadline is Oct. 19, and we’ll hear the final decision next year.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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Real Estate

Atlanta’s Autonomous Test Drive

Virtual reality image of cars driving on the road.

Your Uber could soon be driverless; are our roads ready? (Photo courtesy of Venngage)

Today, an autonomous car will drive from Georgia Tech to Ponce City Market, as part of a joint pilot project, and guided by a network of sensors, Wi-Fi hotspots, GPS receivers and other technology installed along the route.

Someone will be behind the wheel, just in case, but is Atlanta ready for driverless cars in the near future?

“To create better transportation for ourselves and for future generations, we need to change how we are designing for vehicles, or the lack thereof,” said HGOR’s Chris Mutter. “As planners, we need to be proactive and design for the changes ahead.”

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

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travel

My Favorite Travel App

Using TripIt is easy: I forward my confirmation emails to the app and it handles the rest.

I went to check in for a flight recently and located my confirmation number on my calendar. Then I hit a snag: I didn’t remember which airline I was on. But my days of searching for flight confirmations are over.

I recently discovered the wonderful world of TripIt, an app that functions as my own personal travel assistant. It keeps my reservations for flights, hotels, airbnbs and hotels in one place. It also sends me check-in reminders and travel alerts.

Try the free version, but if you travel a lot, you’ll want the added benefits of the pro version.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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music

Countdown to Music Midtown 2017

Music Midtown's stages will be spread out across Atlanta's beautiful Piedmont Park. (Photo courtesy of YouTube)

On September 16 and 17, music lovers will flock to Atlanta for the 13^th annual Music Midtown. Throughout the weekend, attendees will head to Piedmont Park to see a lineup of over 30 artists across four stages.

To have a successful weekend, preparation is key. Before heading to midtown, attendees should be sure to check the schedule and map out their weekend. Attending with friends? Discuss the priority shows, since some artists will perform at the same time.

Be sure to also check the bag restrictions, bring a blanket to sit on and cross your fingers for good weather!

– Mackenzie Welsh, SPR Atlanta

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Events

Come out and Discover Your New Fall Go-to Drink!

Come out and sample some top-shelf whiskey + more on October 12th

It’s that time of year again; the blistering Atlanta heat is dying down and the cool fall breeze gets your taste buds excited for something new just in time for Atlanta magazine’s third annual Whiskey Festival.

The Whiskey Festival will take place on Thursday, October 12 at The Estate by Legendary Events. For just $85 guests can enjoy a nice evening out while sampling a wide range of top-shelf whiskeys, bourbons and rum, along with a fine food pairing. Live music and other entertainment will be included.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover your new go-to whiskey!

– Nathan Best, SPR Atlanta

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history

Sweet Auburn Avenue

In 1956, Fortune magazine described Auburn Avenue as "the richest Negro street in the world." (Photo courtesy of National Trust for Historic Preservation)

Originally called Wheat Street, Auburn Avenue was the commercial, cultural and spiritual center of African-American life in Atlanta until the 1960s when the Westside became more fashionable.

The area, known as Sweet Auburn, was a commercial corridor for the emerging African-American middle class. Since Auburn Avenue was home to financial institutions, bustling retail and a large consolidation of African American wealth, the unofficial mayor John Wesley Dobbs coined the term “Sweet Auburn.”

Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta Life Insurance, The Royal Peacock and Atlanta Daily World, the nation’s first successful black-owned newspaper, were located on Auburn Avenue.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

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health

Empower Your Next Workout

Pure Barre participants do a variety of toning movements while standing, using the bar and on the ground. (Photo courtesy of Groupon)

There’s great news for all the Pure Barre skeptics who like to say, “I like more cardio in my workouts; that class would be too slow,” – there’s a brand new class that includes just that – Pure Empower.

The new class will be offered at all of the 15 studios in and around Atlanta, from Alpharetta to Virginia-Highland. While still focusing primarily on toning, the class is much more fast paced and provides a total body workout, giving participants the perfect cardio/toning ratio.

If you are a PB newbie, check to see which studios offer specials for first-timers.

– Mackenzie Welsh, SPR Atlanta

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Technology

When Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

Old cellphones spread out on a wooden table.

Not all phone upgrades are created equal.

With the new “8” products – iPhone and Samsung primarily – around the corner, do you NEED to upgrade your phone to the newest product? CNBC had an article earlier this year saying no, you don’t have to upgrade often. Here are ideas for when you should upgrade:

• Out of storage – the cloud may help, but if you’re at capacity with your apps, you should upgrade.

• Cracked screen – cracked screens can hinder your experience. Sometimes it’s easier to replace the phone than shell out for just a screen.

• Battery issues – If your phone doesn’t hold a charge or shuts off randomly – upgrade!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Books

‘The Recipe:’ a Story of Loss, Love and the Ingredients to Greatness

Get ready for some novel life lessons that inspire on many levels.

The soon-to-be-launched book by bestselling author John David Mann (“The Go-Giver”), “The Recipe,” is set to be another masterpiece of charming storytelling and profound wisdom.

Mann partnered with Culinary Olympian Chef Charles Carroll to create “The Recipe,” and just like a particularly delicious meal that inspires on many levels, the book is a delightful mix of novel, life lessons and cookbook.

Following the travails of a young man’s life turned upside down by his father’s death, and his encounter with a gruff chef who delivers teachings well beyond cooking, “The Recipe” is available for pre-order.

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, The Dubai 100

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Energy

Georgia Stands Alone

The Georgia Public Service Commission ensures customers receive safe, reliable and affordable telecom, transportation and power services.

A reporter once said to me, “Georgia’s Plant Vogtle is what’s left of the nuclear renaissance that never happened.” The world will soon look to nations like China and Russia for nuclear technology if the U.S. gives up. That in itself is good reason to persist and complete construction of Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

Diversifying energy supply makes sense, the future is unknown. America could institute a carbon tax or even regulate frackers out of a job. But no matter what happens in the decades ahead, new and existing carbon-free nuclear reactors can ensure competitive electric rates.

– Tim Echols, Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission

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