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Stay Informed Regarding COVID-19


Visit our  Business Resources  page for for the latest information and additional resources. This page is updated regularly.
City of Sandy Springs Updates
NEW: REOPENING CITY FACILITIES: A PHASED APPROACH
The City has begun a phased approach to re-opening City Hall. We are continuing to watch the data and trends, and next steps are dependent on that data and feedback from public health officials. 

Openings
June 1, 2020: The City’s Revenue and Permitting offices reopened for in-person visits  by appointment only . Appointments can be scheduled by visiting  spr.gs/chq or by downloading the QLess app on your smartphone.

June 16, 2020: In-person public meetings resume with the meeting of the Sandy Springs City Council at 6 p.m. Please note that there will be limited seating in order to ensure proper social distancing. The meeting will also be livestreamed for those who prefer viewing remotely. 

What to Expect
When you enter City Hall, expect to have your temperature checked and to be asked several COVID health questions. Other COVID-health changes:
  • Wearing a mask is strongly encouraged
  • Keep a 6-foot distance
  • Sanitize – hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the building
There will be signage in place to remind you – safety is a community priority. For the benefit of all, please stay home if sick or if someone in your household is sick with COVID-type symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.

OTHER CITY NEWS
Temporary Outside Dining Operation Permit
Restaurants in Sandy Springs are able to expand seating to operate outdoors in tents and parking lot areas. Restaurants must apply for and receive a temporary outdoor dining operations permit. This policy is effective through end of Georgia Declared State of Emergency caused by the pandemic.

Sandy Springs Police Offer "Check-In" Services
This free service is available to businesses in Sandy Springs. You can request the check-in service here.
NEW:  Your Business, Moving Forward
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Read industry-specific guidance on how to reopen your business.


UGA Small Business Development Centers
The UGA SBDC along with the Georgia Departments of Economic Development and Community Development recently hosted regional webinars on the topic of Ways to Pivot Your Business to Succeed .

View the Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis and learn more on the SBDC's page about Response and Recovery.


U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a Ready to Reopen Playbook and also has a website for further resources.


America's Small Business Development Center
For Federal Resources for Small Businesses from America's SBDC created a hub for federal resources for small businesses.


Paycheck Protection Program


Georgia Production Directory: Reel Scout
The Georgia Film Office provides free listings in the Production Directory to Georgia resident crew and Georgia support services. To list your services, register here .


Update or Create Your Google Business Page
Use this checklist to make sure your customers can find you online.
NEW: FREE Upcoming Virtual Events
Georgia Chamber Virtual Town Hall: Consumer Confidence Post-COVID
Thursday, June 4 - 2:00 PM - join the webinar
Morning Consult will offer insights and key data points around consumer spending and highlight key factors to consider when reopening & adjusting business plans for the future.


SSPC Women's Business Network: The Cornerstones of Culture: Connections, Capability and Character
Tuesday, June 9 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - register here
Join the WBN and guest speaker Lynne Zappone to explore the characteristics of effective leaders and the role they play in building and sustaining culture.


SSPC: Restaurants Roundtable
Thursday, June 11 - 2:00 - 3:30 PM - register here
Join a discussion with your fellow restaurateurs to learn and share best practices. You will also hear from Dale DeSena about a new opportunity 'Food That Rocks: Salute to Sandy Springs Restaurants' starting July 4 and running for one week.


SERIES: Economic Recovery in North Fulton
Presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber and Roswell, Inc.
Losses, Leases and Litigation - Personnel, Pandemic and Legal Protection
Thursday, June 11 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - register here
Pandemic: Changing People, Changing Places
Thursday, June 18 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - register here
Sales, Marketing and Promotion
Thursday, June 25 - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - register here


Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber: Networking and Nespressos
Friday, June 12 - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - register here
It's coffee o'clock so embrace the new normal with Networking & Nespressos - a virtual networking Coffee & Contacts spin-off! Attendees will network and learn more about fellow attendees and how their businesses may best complement each other.


Small Business Development Center: Strategic Marketing During a Crisis
Tuesday June 23 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - register here
In addition to the topic covered, there will be information available about the services offered by the UGA SBDC and how they can assist small businesses and entrepreneurs.
NEW: Find, Train, and Retain Talent
Greater North Fulton Chamber & Forsyth County Chamber Present A Virtual Job Fair Series
Representatives from local businesses will briefly discuss open positions, qualifications, and how to apply. Attendees will also be able to participate in a break out session with an employer to ask questions about their company and specific opportunities.
There is no cost for employers to participate. Employers interested in showcasing their opportunities can contact Beth Harris at  [email protected] .


OpportunityATL
Virtual Job Fair: June 10 - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Register as an employer here . Registration closes June 5.

Learn more about OpportunityATL here and learn about opportunities for employers here .


WorkSource Georgia: ATL Works
WorkSource can connect you to new talent or provide assistance to train or upskill your existing workforce. Learn more here .


ChooseATL Interns After 5
Each summer, ChooseATL hosts  Interns After 5 , a program designed to give interns at metro Atlanta-based companies an opportunity to get to know the region through a series of interactive events. This year, Interns After 5 will be offered virtually and for FREE to all Atlanta-based companies to help interns establish valuable connections. If you are interested in getting your interns involved email Jenny Jang  at Metro Atlanta Chamber.
NEW: Help "Virtually" Design The Future Of The North End Community
WHAT: The City of Sandy Springs is conducting online design activities to seek further input as part of the process to create mixed-use, conceptual master plans for four shopping centers in the North End of Sandy Springs:
 
  • Former Loehmann’s Plaza-8610 Roswell Road
  • Northridge Shopping Center-8331 Roswell Road
  • North River Shopping Center-8765 Roswell Road
  • North Springs Shopping Center-7330 Roswell Road
 
WHEN: Open now through Friday, June 19, 2020.
 
There will be a video short introduction, followed by the design activities. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. The results will be used to help design conceptual master plans for the four shopping centers.
 
INFORMATION: The concept plans are intended to illustrate how the community’s vision for reimaging the North End can be realized through a variety of recommendations, uses, and intensities for the four shopping centers within the study area. The designs are not development proposals by the property owners, but rather illustrative concepts that might spur the highest and best uses of key properties in this redevelopment area. 
 
Based on public feedback at the project kickoff meeting on March 5, 2020, the design goals and principles of the Sandy Springs North End are to:
  • Ensure a variety of housing options to accommodate all types of residences.
  • Attract and support local small businesses in the North End.
  • Improve multimodal connectivity throughout the North End, starting with the four sites and Roswell Road.
  • Model how mixed-use (retail, office, housing, and institutional uses, and green space) environments can work in Sandy Springs.
  • Build upon existing green spaces and parks to create a cohesive public space network.

Learn more about the project here .
NEW: Resources for Child Care & Youth Programs
Your Economic Development Team
Our team is here and ready to assist you however we can. We know each business has its own unique circumstances and challenges during this time, and we stand ready to do all we can to help you navigate this uncertain time. Please let us know how we can help!
Economic Development Director
Economic Development Specialist
This newsletter is prepared by the City of Sandy Springs. You can learn more about the City on our website at  sandyspringsga.gov. You can also telephone our Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 770-730-5600.