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

Remembering Our Departed Fathers

Father and World Word II Medical Officer

My father, Spalding Schroder, served as a medical officer in the Philippines in World War II, but he never talked about it.

Thirteen men gathered last week for a special dinner in Morningside Kitchen’s private back room to talk about a subject we rarely discuss: the impact our fathers had on us.

The group – a mix of African-Americans and Causasians of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Greek heritage – shared one thing in common: our fathers had all died, as early as the 1970s to as recently as last month. Many served in World War II, most were leaders in Atlanta’s business, cultural, civic or civil rights movements.

We all left in awe of the impact they had on Atlanta and our lives.

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Design

Imagineering

Each designed space in Magic Kingdom – whether an intimate nook or grand ballroom – tells a different story through its landscape architecture. (Photo courtesy of Andygalloway93, Wikipedia)

“The Most Magical Place on Earth” is one of the best examples of placemaking on Earth: Magic Kingdom.

Through the Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc. arm, which features more than 140 job titles, including illustrator, architect, engineer and graphic designer, “Imagineers” use each space’s features, from circulation patterns to exterior décor, to tell a story. From intimate nooks to grand ballrooms, guests have a world-class experience inside each corner of the park.

If you get the chance, I recommend braving the crowds to experience the high-level, multi-billion-dollar sense of place that exists inside Orlando.

– Nathan Ledbetter, HGOR

Please share:

Real Estate

Developments Near Transit Growing in Popularity

Developments near transit, such as Assembly, shown here, are gaining popularity as tenants' employees prioritize transit. (Courtesy of Integral)

Transit-oriented developments (TODs) are good for the economy, traffic and perhaps, even waistlines. Across the country, the growing number of TODs has spurred projects in markets of all sizes. According to a recent New York Times article, “Office buildings with access to transit are outshining those without.”

In the Atlanta metro region, developments near transit – such as Doraville’s Assembly, which just landed Serta Simmons Bedding LLC’s corporate and brand headquarters – are attracting tenants, as more employees prefer to walk or take MARTA.

As developers create mixed-use environments surrounding transit in Atlanta, more corporate relocations could be in store.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

travel

Sleeping in the Trees

The Elements Treehouse is nestled in the woods at the base of Lookout Mountain, near the historic town of St. Elmo. (Photo courtesy of Dove Men+Care)

Everyone should shower with a tree. I did during a recent stay at the Elements Treehouse near Chattanooga created by treemaster Pete Nelson to creatively launch the Dove Men+Care product line.

The bathroom is spectacular, with gorgeous heated tile floor, a glass ceiling, five shower heads and a glass-enclosed tree. The treehouse has a mini fridge, sofa, queen bed and two twin beds in a loft to sleep four. There’s also HVAC, a firepit, two decks and gigabit internet.

This treehouse will be available for reservations soon. Check out the second treehouse on the property that’s available now.

Visit here to read a full review of the treehouse, including a photo of the tree in the shower.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

Please share:

Real Estate

Roswell to Preserve Mimosa Hall

One year ago, when The Atlanta 100 broke the news that historic Mimosa Hall was for sale, we mentioned we hoped the city of Roswell would buy and preserve the 1840 home. It will.

Last week, the city of Roswell authorized $2.95 million to purchase the 6,300-square-foot antebellum landmark of neoclassical design surrounded by nine acres of property that include extensive gardens with a pool and 19th-century grist mill repurposed into a barn.

This home will join other Roswell historic homes owned by the city: Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation. That’s great news!

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

restaurants

Innovation in Reservations

Reserve is a new technological alternative to calling and making reservations at your favorite restaurant. (Photo courtesy of Business Insider)

Many of my favorite restaurants often have long waits. So I’ve become a huge fan of online reservation platforms, especially when they offer an iPhone app.

A newcomer to Atlanta’s reservation technology scene is Reserve. Though it only has a few restaurants right now, more will soon join the platform, and the restaurants that are currently available are some of the best in Atlanta: Bocado, Kevin Rathbun Steak, BoccaLupo and Fritti.

Reserve doesn’t charge users any service fees for booking reservations through the app or website. Be on the lookout for more Atlanta favorites to join the restaurants on Reserve!

– Haley Barton, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

history

Grady Memorial Hospital: a Dream Realized

Grady Hospital opened its doors with only 110 beds and one operating room, and an amphitheater for students. (Photo courtesy of GSU Library)

In June 1892, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta’s first public hospital, opened its doors to serve as a segregated medical center for the city’s residents.

To address the growing concern of quality health care for Atlanta’s poor, Henry Grady had the vision to create a hospital owned and operated by the city to provide services to all Atlanta citizens.

The hospital became well-known throughout Georgia and the United States during the 1920s after a Grady physician performed Georgia’s first open-heart surgery in 1921, and in 1923, it opened the world’s first and largest comprehensive cancer center, the Steiner Clinic.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Beer Babe

Brick Store’s 20 Beers for 20 Years

The Brick Store Pub officially opened on June 27, 1997, at 9PM. (Photo courtesy of Brick Store Pub)

Decatur’s Brick Store, arguably one of the best beer bars in the U.S. and the world, has been an Atlanta jewel for 20 years. To celebrate its two decades, the pub is having a monumental celebration on Saturday.

For the past year, the brewery has been working to coordinate and brew 20 different celebratory beers with 20 different breweries. Tickets are $60 and available to purchase in the store. Tickets include an anniversary glass, access to all the beers and a plate of BBQ.

If you want to share your special memories of Brick Store, email brickstories@brickstorepub.com.

– Emily Tracy, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Product Reviews

Nature-Inspired Products for Men From Dove

A selection of the new Elements line for men from Dove Men+Care, taken in the shower of the new Elements treehouse. (Photo by Jan Schroder)

“A little of each product goes a long way. And I really like the way the products smell.” That was the review by Chris Schroder of the new Elements line of products from Dove Men+Care.

The skincare and deodorant line includes products with nature-inspired elements like sage, clay, charcoal and sandlewood. My favorite was the minerals + sage scent, followed closed by mineral powder + sandlewood.

To introduce the product line, Dove partnered with Pete Nelson, master treehouse builder and host of “Treehouse Masters” to build a spectacular treehouse. Read about it in our related story on the Elements Treehouse.

– Jan Schroder, The 100 Companies

Please share:

ASAP Happiness

Purpose: the Essential Ingredient to the Happiness Formula

Chris Butsch speaking at a business event.

Fulfilling my purpose of public speaking on topics of Millennials, Happiness, and Innovation, at the Buckhead Business Association (Photo courtesy of Evan Carter Photography)

Imagine preparing a cake with the finest vanilla, oil, eggs and cocoa money can buy. You proudly pop it in the oven, but out comes a flat, deflated mess. You forgot the baking soda.

A sense of purpose is the baking soda of life. It doesn’t matter how nice the other ingredients are: fancy car, big house, etc. Having a purpose is key to rising your happiness cake.

My cake came out flat at my last job, so I started over from scratch as a public speaker. My cake is still rising, but at least it has baking soda now.

– Chris Butsch, www.chrisbutsch.com

Please share:

public relations

Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose

Repurposing content can save time and resources when you are in a content rut.

Repurposing content is taking content previously used for one purpose and reusing it for another. It’s a useful strategy that allows you to reach a broader audience and diversify your content while maintaining consistent messaging. Try these repurposing strategies:

Create a social post out of an underperforming newsletter to address your audience directly, possibly catching the eye of a follower who dismissed your previously sent newsletter.

Repurpose old photos for new creative graphics to use on social media, a blog or eNewsletter.

Repurpose videos by cutting them into short videos to create an innovative mini-series to post on Facebook.

To learn more tips, visit here.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Food

Your Guide to Street Food

The book "Street Food" includes the fun fact that the best city for street food is Bangkok, followed by Singapore.

An estimated 2.6 billion people eat street food every day. A street food vendor in Singapore even got a Michelin star. Food trucks are enjoying huge popularity in the US. But what to eat where when you travel?

Here’s your answer: “Street Food: Everything You Need to Know About Open-Air Stands, Carts & Food Trucks Across the Globe,” edited by Bruce Kraig and Colleen Taylor Sen.

The book covers a bit of history about street food in 75 countries, what foods you can find and how they are prepared, from pastel in Brazil to pig’s blood cake in Taiwan.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

Please share:

cars

2017 Mazda MX-5

Mazda's sublime roadster is a motorist's dream come true. Journalists from around the world were invited to San Diego to give it a test drive. (Photo: Braedon Photography)

To my surprise, my co-pilot Claudia Krusch of TrendyLatina.com insisted I play music I like on our test drive. She then asked a silly question: “Are you having fun?”

“Fun?? I’m in a manual Miata in California, blasting heavy metal, with a beautiful Brazilian woman in the passenger seat. I’ve had this dream many times.”

The Mazda MX-5 truly is a motorist’s dream come true. Cheap to insure, with go-kart handling, the best manual transmission in the business, a significant speed upgrade and finally room for tall drivers, the 2017 Miata is a steal for <$30k.

– Chris Butsch, www.chrisbutsch.com

Please share:

Education

2017 Hot Beach Reads

Enjoy the beach or sit poolside with a good book this summer. Check out this list of recommendations that will keep you captivated.

“Into the Water” by Paula Hawkins

A single mom found dead in a river dredges up secrets long submerged.

”Camino Island” by John Grisham

A library heist, a crooked bookstore owner and a young novelist converge under mysterious circumstances.

”Secrets in Summer” by Nancy Thayer

An ex-husband and two new romances on Nantucket leave Darcy with options.

”The Beach Inn” by Joanne DeMaio

An architect’s renovation plans are thwarted when his client wants to sell his beachfront rental property. Can the townspeople help save it?

”Same Beach, Next Year” by Dorothea Benton Frank

Two couples, 20-year transformative friendship.

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100

Please share:

health

Deskercise and What You Should Do to Get on Board

Research suggests workday inactivity could detrimentally affect the long-term health of working professionals.

Research by the Mayo Clinic suggests inactivity at your desk job could be slowly killing you. Here are some insider tips to easily increase your activity around the office:

• Get a stationary bike. You can score a stationary bike that fits under your desk on Amazon for as little as $26.

• Stand up. Decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease by spending part of your day standing.

• Take the stairs. Take advantage of a few minutes of exercise.

• Go for a walk. Instead of emailing your co-worker, make the short trek down the hall to their office.

– Kelly Hughes, The Oklahoma 100

Please share:

The 100 Guy

Ramblin’ Man

A photo from The Allman Brothers Band's first album taken in a Round Oak, GA, brook near Otis Redding's ranch. Manager Phil Walden assured them this photo would never see the light of day.

The first time I saw The Allman Brothers Band should’ve been when I was 13.

I had just negotiated the master exploit of my burgeoning adolescence – securing my mother’s permission to leave Camp Carolina, a bucolic summer camp for privileged Southern boys nestled into an old orchard and bottom farmland in Brevard, North Carolina. My plan was to join a half million hippies gathering at the Atlanta International Pop Festival featuring mythic bands such as Spirit, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After and an obscure Georgia-based group that had released its first album the previous November.

I didn’t make it.

100 Plus is an occasional feature of The Atlanta 100. Click on the 100 Plus logo to read the rest of the story, which includes more words, photos, videos, etc. Readers have told us some stories just need more words. Now they do!

Please share:

Real Estate

New Park’s Sense of Place

Visitors pack the areas outside of SunTrust Park before and after games. (Photo courtesy of HGOR's Bob Hughes)

I’ve now had the opportunity to see the Braves win and Billy Joel crush it at SunTrust Park. A lifelong fan of both, I was thrilled to go to opening weekend and first concert at the new stadium.

What I found there was that people were having just as much fun outside the stadium as inside. In The Battery, you’re able to see the many uses and sense of place in the centrally located Plaza area.

The water features, shade and flexibility of the space are perfect for all visitors, and I didn’t hate seeing T.I. perform afterward either!

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Design

Why Are We Applying ADA to Everything?

While we certainly shouldn’t only apply ADA to the bare minimum, we should be mindful of when unnecessarily enacting code impedes the function of a streetscape or of an entire project.

When the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, the standards were a long overdue addition to building and development codes. However, these requirements have moved away from a standard that provides fully accessible buildings and amenities for all. Instead, designers and code enforcers, citing ADA, unnecessarily and blindly apply the standards to entire sites, rather than on the “accessible route.”

If we were to paint ADA in San Francisco with the same broad brush applied in other locales, there would be nothing left to marvel at other than the monstrosity of switchbacks and engineered ramps consuming the city.

To read more about ADA visit our blog.

– Matt Mitchell, HGOR

Please share:

media

We Want Your Tips on Atlanta!

Here's one of our tips: The High Museum of Art has free admission for everyone the second Sunday of the month as part of Family Fun at the Woodruff Arts Center. (Photo by Jan Schroder)

We love our 100-word format. But sometimes we have a lot more to say.

The 100 Companies staff is writing a (much!) longer article — The Insider’s Guide to Atlanta. In addition to sections on The Arts, Restaurants, Events and Real Estate, it will include a section on Top Tips From Locals.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share with other readers and visitors to our website? Where do you like to take people when they come to town? If you have any photos to include, send those too! Please send tips and photos to editorial@the100companies.com.

– The 100 Companies Staff

Please share:

Business

Sentry Scores Elite Honors

The Sentry Roof Services team was recognized for its continued high-quality workmanship and valuable product. (Photo courtesy of Sentry Roof Services)

Nothing’s better than being recognized with the most distinguished honors in your field, and Sentry Roof Services won’t deny it.

The Atlanta-based commercial roofing company recently won the Stanley Cup of the commercial roofing industry for completed work, including its project at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Firestone 2017 Master Contractor Award. The annual Firestone Master Contractor award recognizes the top five percent of Firestone Building Products contractors who have mastered quality commercial roofing solutions.

Sentry Roof Services also earned inclusion in the Inner Circle of Quality, one of the most elite contractor groups in the nation.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

restaurants

Father’s Day Steak Takeover

Restaurant Eugene’s steak takeover will feature a 24-ounce cowboy ribeye, which can be served “Eugene Style” and topped with bone marrow butter.

James Beard Award winners Gina and Linton Hopkins are opening the steakhouse C. Ellet’s this July at The Battery at SunTrust Park. Chef Hopkins will be teasing that menu with a steak takeover of Restaurant Eugene on Father’s Day, June 18 from 5:30-9:00PM.

See how much damage dad can do to a 24-ounce cowboy ribeye, charred asparagus and sliced tomatoes, all served family style. He may opt to sip on a glass of Van Winkle’s 12-year reserve bourbon.

In addition to steaks, the fine dining restaurant C. Ellet’s will feature seasonal seafood and local vegetables.

– Jan Schroder, The 100 Companies

Please share:

public relations

Working With Influencers

Paying a trusted and respected social media influencer to post about your brand can boost your brand's credibility.

I’m a huge proponent of working with social media influencers. I believe that is where brands can get the most bang for their buck, especially with millennials.

Things to consider when working with influencers: how many followers do they have? Are their followers in your target audience? How often do they share sponsored posts? Do they have a high engagement rate?

Reaching out to someone with 100K+ Instagram followers can seem intimidating, but everyone I’ve reached out to has been kind, receptive and helpful. If it fits with your brand, consider partnering with an influencer on your next paid campaign.

– Haley Barton, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Beer Babe

Fourth of July at Ponce City Market

Celebrate Independence Day at Ponce City Market’s inaugural Rooftop Backyard BBQ event on Tuesday, July 4, from 5-11PM.

Have the best seat in the city to view Atlanta’s multiple fireworks displays by attending The Roof at Ponce City Market’s Fourth of July Celebration.

General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets include admission to Skyline Park, kids activities, boiled peanuts and more. For $55, attendees can enjoy an exclusive barbecue dinner on the Rooftop Terrace, the roof’s private tented space, adjacent to Skyline Park. Tickets also include two drinks.

Nine Mile Station is hosting an even more extravagant affair for $75, including an “elevated barbecue dinner,” desserts and exclusive seats to the fireworks display.

– Emily Tracy, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

travel

Summer Specials

Lounge by one of four pools at Frenchman's Reef in St. Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Frenchman's Reef)

St. Thomas has a long-standing place on my bucket list. If it’s on yours too, jump on this offer for 15% off and a $25 resort credit per day at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. This 470-room resort overlooks Charlotte Amalie Harbor in downtown St. Thomas. Use promo code D59.

One of my favorite Georgia resorts, Barnsley Resort, is running a BOGO “Savor Summer” package good through August 31. Book one night Sunday through Thursday and get one night free. (Not valid July 1-4).

Stay at St. Kitts Marriott at rates starting at just $119.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

Please share:

history

Irbyville to Buckhead

This now-thriving junction of Peachtree and Roswell at the Buckhead triangle was home to Henry Irby's tavern.

In 1838, Henry Irby purchased over 202 acres of land to establish a tavern for travelers located at the present-day intersection of Peachtree, Roswell and West Paces Ferry roads. The sparsely populated community was known as Irbyville until Irby mounted a large “buck head” on the wall of his tavern, changing the community’s name forever.

It wasn’t until the beginning of the 1900s the area saw a significant population growth spurred from major commercial development around the area, including The Buckhead Theatre, Jacobs’ Drugstore and Kamper’s Grocery.

In 1952, the Buckhead community was annexed into the City of Atlanta.

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Product Reviews

Best Travel Toothbrush

Grab a bunch of these foldable travel toothbrushes for $5.99 from Mouth Watchers for your family trips this summer.

We were packing up at the end of a family trip one year and my son said, “Mommy, is that your toothbrush?” I said yes, and he said, “I used it to kill a bug when we first got here.”

That revelation would have been a bit less disgusting if I had had the Mouth Watchers Travel Toothbrush. This handy toothbrush folds over to keep your toothbrush sanitary during travels and at home. I love that it doesn’t have those annoying bumps on the back of the head of the toothbrush.

And I bet it’s really good at squashing bugs.

Visit here for more travel products under $20.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

Please share:

Business

Just Google TechSquare Labs

Co-founders Allen Nance and Paul Judge are creating jobs and helping cultivate Atlanta's tech scene. (Photo courtesy of Google Economic Impact)

Founded in 2014 as a way to help cultivate Atlanta’s burgeoning tech sector, TechSquare Labs is well known in Georgia. The 25,000-square-foot space near Georgia Tech’s campus is one of the most active venture capital funds in the state.

It was recently featured in Google’s annual economic impact report. TechSquare Labs partners with Google for Entrepreneurs for access to shared workspaces in over 20 cities, which helps give them a global footprint with physical facilities and resources.

The 15 businesses they’ve invested in have created over 500 jobs in Georgia. This year, they’re supporting 10 more ventures.

– Sarah Weston, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Food & Drink

Atlanta’s Boozy Beverages

Davio's handmade booze-infused ice pops will be available for a limited time only starting June 21 to August 31. (Photo Courtesy of Maxim)

The best way to cool off from the summer heat in Atlanta is to dive into one of the many frozen alcoholic beverages the city’s bartenders and mixologists have to offer.

If you are looking for both a snack and buzz, head to Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse to try a $12 boozy popsicle, with flavors like limoncello, blueberry with prosecco and peach, and raspberry with rosé, or try a Poptail from Atlanta-based King of Pops. Cool off with a refreshing, whiskey-spiked Boozy Coke Slushie at Victory Sandwich Bar.

And don’t forget about Venkman’s seasonal slushies starting at $7!

– Haley Haas, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

public relations

Tips to Secure Speaking Engagements

Speaking engagements can include conferences, civic clubs, business organizations and panels.

Like articles in trade publications, securing speaking engagements for your clients is a way to increase exposure and help position them as thought leaders. To keep up with the opportunities for your clients and to secure the best placements for them, I suggest the three tips below:

1. Create a database on Excel or Google Sheets to keep the vast number of speaking opportunities easily accessible.

2. Subscribe to email updates from professional service organizations and conferences to stay in the loop.

3. Work directly with your client to complete at least the first few conference proposals you are submitting.

To read more, please visit here.

– Emily Tracy, SPR Atlanta

Please share:

Fitness

Steps: The New Digital Currency

Brisk walking is one of the top exercises recommended to keep your heart healthy.

Walking is good for your health, and it can also be good for your wallet.

Some employers have been incentivizing employees to get moving — and become healthier — with fitness trackers. While FitBits and other wearable devices are great, fitness classes that provide a sense of community and highlight current workout trends are even more popular. Regardless of the perks, people won’t take part if it’s not convenient, personalized and fun.

Rewards for being active can come to employees in the form of gift cards, prizes or discounts on health insurance premiums. That’s why steps are becoming a new digital currency.

– Ed Buckley, III, Ph.D., Peerfit

Please share: